HUNGARY’S POSITION

Evening Star, Issue 23351, 22 August 1939, Page 9

HUNGARY’S POSITION

GERMANY'S AIMS REALISED OPPOSITION TO NAZI PRESSURE DOES NOT WANT WAR WITH POLAND Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright BUDAPEST, August 21. (Received August 22, at 8 a.in.) The Journal ‘ Ncmetzo ’ partially sheds light on Count Csaky’s journoyiugs, declaring that Germany, realising that Hungary is indispensable for a push eastwards, wants to attach her politically, militarily, and economically, leaving an outward form of indepen-

dence. It adds that Hungarians have no illusions about the outcome of such an attachment, and Admiral Horthy is doing his utmost to combat German pressure. Hungary is very loth to be drawn into war against her friend Poland in the fateful hours approaching. Hungary desires neutrality, but realises that Hungarian integrity cannot be preserved without Poland’s independence . HITLER'S DEMANDS * PASSAGE OF TROOPS AND CLOSE CO-OPERATION. (Independent Cable Service.) LONDON, August 21. The ‘ Daily Express ’ says Hungary refused Herr Hitler’s demand to allow German troops to cross her frontier and facilitate free passage of German troops against Poland and Rumania in the event of war. It has been ascertained further that Herr Hitler asked the Hungarian Foreign Minister (Count Csaky) for close economic and military co-opera-tion. He said he wanted a decision quickly. A little over a week ago Signor Mussolini told Count Csaky that he would do his best for Hungarian independence, but when Count Csaky flew to Rome on August 18 he found a sharp change in the Duce’s attitude. Count Csaky vainly pleaded for three hours, but the Duce advised him to accept at least the bulk of Herr Hitler’s demands; otherwise Italy would disinterest herself in Hungary’s affairs. When Count Csaky returns to Budapest shortly a proclamation of “ benevolent neutrality to Germany ” will be issued. The declaration will show Hungary’s willingness to place agricultural products at* Germany’s disposal, but she will refuse to be bound by any military commitments. COUNT CSAKY RETURNS TO BUDAPEST BUDAPEST, August 21. (Received August 22, at 8 a.m.) Count Csaky arrived unexpectedly at Budapest from Graz, and is reporting immediately to Cabinet. POLITICAL BALANCE INDEPENDENT HUNGARY ESSENTIAL. BUDAPEST, August 21. (Received August 22, at 1.15 p.m.) Count Csaky declared that an independent and strong Hungary was essential to the political balance of Europe. He emphasised that neither in Germany nor in Italy was anything demanded from her.