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

264.1111 Vogeler, Robert A./6–1550: Telegram

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

top secret
niact

Budapest, June 15, 1950—noon.

386. Legtel 349, May 26 to Department.¹ Berei just told me Hungarian Government accepted our proposals Vogeler case subject two minor points.

(1) Assurance two Hungarian representatives who will be sent Germany make delivery restitution goods will be recognized as official representatives Hungarian Government (bevolmachtigte) bearing diplomatic passports.

(2) US military authorities will not place difficulties in way collection and shipment goods.²

He states latter request although affirmative answer assumed, obvious based on past unpleasant experience with military who “sometimes act independently”. (His jocular mariner and laughter all present implied his comment directed at military in general not specifically US.) I replied personally certain that conditions acceptable but would communicate with Department to avoid any possible misunderstanding.

Berei stated on receipt these assurances we could arrange definite date for release Vogeler without delay. When I jocularly expressed hope release before July 4 he replied next week if assurances forthcoming.

Atmosphere interview was cordial with Sik present.

Urgently recommend with reference non-obstruction by military, I be authorized state “US military and civil authorities will render all proper assistance”.

Sent niact Department 386, repeated info niact Frankfort 20, London 80.

Davis

1. Not printed, but see footnote 3, p. 1008.
2. Telegram 252, June 15, to Budapest, not printed, authorized Minister Davis to communicate the requested assurances to the Hungarian Foreign Ministry (264.1111 Vogeler, Robert A./6–1550). In his telegram 391, June 16, from Budapest, not printed, Davis reported that the authorized assurances were delivered to the Foreign Ministry that morning. Hungarian Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Berei stated that full agreement had thus been reached, and Hungarian authorities would proceed immediately with the arrangements for Vogeler’s deportation. Berei promised to advise Davis on June 19 of the exact day and hour of the release (264.1111 Vogeler, Robert A./6–4650).