Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

864.00/8–1847: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Legation in Hungary

secret   urgent

Washington, August 22, 1947—5 p. m.

907. Following is outline Dept’s position re recent broadcasts by Nagy over VA (urtel 1403 Aug 18¹) to Hung people:

Several weeks ago Nagy inquired whether Dept would grant him time over facilities VA to address personal message to Hung people. In conviction that Hung people were entitled hear directly evidence bearing on recent political crisis from former leader freely-elected majority party and principal political figure concerned, Dept decided grant request on understanding Nagy spoke for himself only and his remarks represented his personal views. This was clearly stated at beginning and end broadcast. In granting this permission, Dept merely made facilities available for free expression opinion and did not thereby endorse content Nagy’s statements. Freedom of speech is regarded in US as fundamental and precious right, and Nagy’s entry US was in no way conditioned on his remaining silent and thereby renouncing that right. In circumstances, action of Dept in permitting Nagy utilize VA facilities, only channel available for directly addressing Hung people, accords fully Amer tradition of freedom political expression. Dept does not consider precedent has been set and will continue accordance that tradition to make its radio facilities available for free expression views at such times as may, in its judgment, be appropriate.

Dept perceives no necessity for Leg take initiative in replying PriMin’s informal inquiry but if latter renews approach re matter, you may inform him of US position along lines foregoing.

Lovett

1. Not printed; it reported that Hungarian Prime Minister Dinnyés had inquired of Minister Chapin concerning the circumstances of recent broadcasts to Hungary by former Prime Minister Nagy over the Voice of America (864.00/8–1847). The broadcasts had been made on August 22. Telegram 1398, August 16, from Budapest, not printed, reported on the reaction to these broadcasts in part as follows:

   “Ferenc Nagy Voice of America statements received locally with great interest. Granting to [by?] Dept of broadcasting facilities, accepted widely as indication of combined [continued?] US interest in Hungarian developments, generally viewed as unusually significant and is, therefore, exciting greater comment than content of Nagy messages which appeared largely defensive in character.”