Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

264.1111 Vogeler, Robert A./3–2750: Telegram

The Minister in Hungary (Davis) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority

Budapest, March 27, 1950—noon.

224. Highlights Rakosi interview Legtel 223 of March 25.¹

1. I stated US-Hungary hold irreconcilable views Vogeler case and staff question. Only by agreeing disagree merits cases and seeking practical solutions reasonably satisfactory both without violence principles either side can we hope improve relations.

2. Re staff US has found such practical solution in current and prospective reduction decided on our own initiative without granting Hungarian Government claimed right concern itself with matter. Hungarians will accept this practical solution same conciliatory manner without committing self. Rakosi indicated assent and I believe Hungarians will desist attacks on staff at least till next crisis.

3. Re Vogeler, Soviet Government supplied precedent for practical solution in Vishinsky approach to Secretary of State. Suggested Hungarians should be glad follow lead that “great and friendly country.” Rakosi mildly startled by story said he would ask Vishinsky his version (with assurances did not doubt my word) but indicated we asking lot, offering little.² Referred closing Hungarian Consulates US. I replied they closed because our Consul here denied right perform his duties. Felt US would reconsider if assured our Consul henceforth permitted function. This only one of many matters in which progress depends on practical solution existing impasse.

4. Rakosi several times staited comment on merits Vogeler staff question. Each time I interrupted begging him leave merits aside. We could say something on that too but such discussion fruitless. Urged we stick to effort find practical way out.

5. Atmosphere was frank informal courteous approaching cordiality at times.

Sent Department 224, repeated London 55, Moscow 2, Department pass Moscow.

Davis

1. Not printed. In it Minister Davis gave a brief, preliminary report on his “frank, unemotional discussion” with Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Rákosi that morning which was also attended by Hungarian Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Andor Berei (264.1111 Vogeler, Robert A.). Davis’ lengthy memorandum of the conversation was transmitted to the Department of State in despatch 380, March 29, from Budapest, not printed (611.64/3–2950).
2. In his telegram 237, March 31, from Budapest, not printed, Minister Davis indicated that the erroneous ascription of Soviet intervention in the Gubichev case to Soviet Foreign Minister Vyshinsky (see footnote 2, supra) was acutely embarrassing inasmuch as the Minister’s entire effort with Rákosi hinged on the alleged personal intervention by Vyshinsky (761.5211 Gubichev, Valentin A.).