Imre Nagy

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28620, 24 June 1958, Page 8

Imre Nagy

Sir,—Commentators on the murder of Imre Nagy should omit references to “Fascist elements in Hungary.’’ The original demonstration was against almost intolerable conditions of Communist rule, and had the sympathy of Russians who had been in Hungary long enough to know the. circumstances. It resembled the demonstration that led to the Russian revolution, except that retribution was delayed until Russian troops, unfamiliar with the facts, could be brought to Hungary from distant areas. When they attacked, part of their method was to kill every person in any building from which any shot was fired in defence. -They also burned down a maternity hospital, with the patients still in it. Such were the people who-dis-regarded the “safe conduct” given to Imre Nagy, and hanged him. ; People in Russia are not aUowed to comment. It is estimated that about 40 per cent, of Hungarians would like to emigrate, to escape communist rule.—Yours, etc., A.L. June 22, 1958.

Sir, —ln reference to P.J.A. and M. Gibson. People in communist countries are not allowed to speak their thoughts in the press. But Communist sympathisers in the free world have a chance to put their propaganda in our free press. The great majority of our workers do not take any notice of communist propaganda: proof of this, our last election. In Soviet Russia there are still poor worker conditions. concentration camps, women workers in mines, etc. Imre Nagy fought against such things as this in his country, and was murdered with the sanction of Moscow. I am surprised to see that P.J.A. cannot realise the difference between the Rosenberg spies, and a political leader such as Imre Nagy.—Yours, etc., N.M.D. June 23, 1958.

Sir, —L. Jones would be well advised to study the lessons of history and government authority in the use of all armed forces available to suppress riots and destruction. That is where the tragedy of Imre Nagy arisen. He failed; and it was then that Kadar acted with decision. At the same time the Russians were forced to act to protect their huge waterways from the Baltic to the Danube. We have other examples in Charles I, and Mary Queen of Scots, Lady Jane Grey, Marshal Ney, John Brown, Roger' Casement, Edith Cavell, Captain Fryatt, Ann Boleyn, etc. All these, and many others have happened all over Europe.—Yours, etc., COLONEL PRIGG. June 23, 1958.