364.1121 Jacobson, Israel G./12–2849: Telegram
The Minister in Austria (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State
priority
1782. Jacobson released at Schweehat1 3:30 p. m. to US authorities. Was confined at Andrassy Utca prison2 in office, not in cell, under constant guard. All personal papers removed otherwise effects carefully listed and now returned with minor exceptions. Did not see Vogeler. Request to contact Legation and his office refused. Clothing examined and returned except possible suicide instruments. Interrogation began immediately and continued for five days with interruptions for sleep on couch in office only about one hour each day in early morning hours. Constantly faced light and forced sit rigidly during interrogation, nearly collapsed from exhaustion repeatedly. After five days this treatment, was permitted to bathe, food improved, previously threatening and abusive attitude became somewhat solicitous and Commander of Police Gabor3 said would try to obtain release. 3:30 p. m. December 27 was informed could leave in own car for border in one hour. Police escorted to Hungarian border but despite their assurances to contrary Soviet sentries half mile farther refused permit entry Austria.
In interrogation Jacobson never beaten but alternately accused then requested confess his own and JDC’s espionage activities. Was confronted with young male former employee, obviously terrified and believed beaten, who confirmed guilt all charges. JDC distribution system described as widespread spy network throughout Hungary under US official guidance. Trobe4 and Silver, his predecessor with JDC Vienna, accused assisting US intelligence. Although Jacobson denied ever knowing Vogeler they insisted latter’s confession confirmed evidence both linked in espionage activities. Greatest interest shown in contacts with Legation particularly Attachés Muenter,5 Hoyne,6 Kopcsak.7 Was required to explain in writing every appointment in Ms desk calendar and subjects discussed. Threats of confinement in [Page 497] cellar and more unpleasant treatment made repeatedly. Jacobson, naturally frightened, was badly unnerved by revelation that Hungarians aware he went to Yugoslavia in 1945 ostensibly with Jewish mission to aid children, actually for Joint, as secretary to two men later executed in connection Rajk trial. He believes this basis for his arrest. He signed great number of statements and confessions implicating self, JDC, Legation, Vogeler, probably others, in espionage and other offenses. Was often suggested that while JDC would be stopped in Hungary, his confession might permit American staff to leave unmolested. Unable to judge whether this earnest or interrogation trick.
He may have further comment tomorrow when rested. Expects depart for Paris this week.
- Schewacht was the control point on the border between the Soviet zone of occupation of Austria and the city of Vienna. Telegram 1780, December 28, from Vienna, not printed, earlier reported that Jacobson had been released by Hungarian authorities and allowed to leave Hungary but had been detained by Soviet occupation authorities because his travel papers were allegedly not in order. An understanding between American and Soviet authorities on the release of Jacobson was subsequently worked out (364.1121 Jacobson, Israel G.).↩
- The headquarters of the Hungarian secret police. Robert Vogeler was being held prisoner in the same prison.↩
- Presumably the reference here is to Gen. Peter Gabor, the Chief of the Hungarian State Security Office.↩
- Representative in Vienna for the Joint Distribution Committee.↩
- Col. Hilbert F. Muenter, Air Attaché in Budapest.↩
- Lt. Col. John T. Hoyne, Assistant Military Attaché in Budapest.↩
- Lt. Col. Peter J. Kopcsak, Assistant Military Attaché in Budapest from September 1947 to March 1949.↩