Dorothy Thompson

Wichita Daily Stockman/April 5, 1921

Former Head of Hungarian Delegation at Peace Conference Believes Sentiment Over Restoration of Charles is Lukewarm—Predicts Soviet Invasion

Editor’s Note—The following story was written about two weeks before the arrival in Hungary of former Emperor Charles. It is interesting to note how well Count Apponyi had read the public apathy in Hungary over the possible return of the former Emperor-King.

Budapest, April 5.—Count Apponyi, head of the Hungarian delegation at the peace conference, declared today that the people are not vitally interested in the return of the Hapsburgs to the Hungarian throne. 

“The question of the restoration of Charles is not a burning one,” said the Count. “Sentiment is lukewarm. In fact, it can hardly be called a question at all.” 

Discussing the Bolshevik outlook, the count said: 

“Unless there is a real internal counter revolution in Russia I believe that the Russian Soviet forces will attempt to drive through Rumania and Poland soon. The border States will be unable to repel any attack unless Hungary is included in the arrangements. 

“Despite peace treaties and despite many things that have been amiss in the past and are still amiss in the present it can be said that Hungary represents the only force of stability in this part of Europe.

“We are approaching reconstruction on the basis of the Treaty of Trianon but the present mutilation of the State presents enormous difficulty. We have no idea of taking an adventurous course or of using violence to recover lost territory, but I am absolutely confident that the Hungarian State will eventually be restored thru the conviction of all civilized peoples and thru the working out of irrevocable laws.

“The question of the restoration of Charles is not a serious one. All people have agreed to let it rest until the international atmosphere has cleared. We know of the measures of opposition on the art of the Entente, but we know also that people are capable of changing their minds. 

“I believe that if he were invited Charles would return on the basis of an independent Hungary. 

“In internal affairs I am a most radical advocate of the restoration of civil rights. Whoever would judge Hungary fairly must admit that excesses have been committed in the suppression of real or imagined dangers, but, at the same time, he must also comprehend the complete desolation and disorganization that existed at the commencement of the present regime.

“We are progressing toward a more liberal policy. I am confident that financial restoration is nearer here than elsewhere in Central Europe.

“In conclusion I must say that Hungary’s debt to America must be recognized and acknowledged, for that country alone brought real relief for the suffering population.”