864.4016/12–844: Airgram
The Chargé in Switzerland (Huddle) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 20—5 p.m.]
A–774. American Interests—Hungary—Protection American Property. Legation’s airgram 455 August 2 and previous.
Swiss Foreign Office note December 5 states Swiss Legation Budapest reports November 21 various agencies of Hungarian Government have on several occasions taken action against private property belonging enemy nationals.
A representative of the Swiss Legation at Budapest discussed this matter with Minister Bagossy who made following statement:
The Hungarian Government intends to accord to private property belonging enemy nationals residing Hungary same treatment which is accorded private property of Hungarian citizens residing in enemy countries.
With regard to special case of an American citizen of Jewish origin Mr. Bagossy added that Hungarian Government cannot permit that such a person has for example the sum of 100,000 Pengoes in cash for he might use it to the detriment of the Hungarian nation.
In such cases the funds are deposited with the Commissioner of Jewish Property pending its transfer to a blocked account in the Hungarian National Bank.