764.00/6–154: Telegram
No. 55
The Chargé in Hungary (Lafoon) to the Department of State
676. Pass VOA, MRC. In our preliminary analysis third HWP Congress one factor seems unmistakably clear—Rakosi remains firmly in control.
He dominated the Congress. He received rousing ovations when he arose make keynote speech and when he made brief closing address; presence Voroshilov as principal Soviet delegate added to his prestige, and retention same leadership group was added proof that his party stewardship satisfactory Kremlin masters.
Only two others—Nagy and Gero—came anywhere near rivaling him in importance. The first had the task, while reporting on state administration and councils, of presenting new “Peoples Front [Page 133] policy”, but the latter, who is now Minister of Interior, was assigned the unpleasant task of parroting but elaborating on that portion Rakosi report dealing with economic difficulties. Since Gero was principally responsible for economic policy prior July 1953, he more than anyone else indulged in self-criticism.