864.00/7–2947: Telegram
The Minister in Hungary (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
1260. Yesterday I was again approached by representatives Smallholders Party, this time by persons of whose bona fides I can have no doubt, with view to obtaining funds from American sources to assist in coming electoral campaign. Feelers have also been made by Social Democrats and smaller Communist opposition groups. In each case my reply has been that it is policy of US Government that no government should intervene in internal political affairs of other countries. The inquirers have replied that while this attitude was understandable and even admirable in normal times for a world democratic power, the present situation in Hungary calls for special measures and that in line with US policy, announced in Truman Doctrine,1 every possible step orthodox or unorthodox should be taken by US to counter intense Communist electoral propaganda, It was pointed out to me that Soviet [Page 352] Government actively intervening in campaign, and from a separate source I learn today that Hungarian Communists have recently received gift of 50 car loads of newsprint from Soviets, which is undoubtedly to be used to flood country with pro-Communist campaign material.
With elections fixed for August 31, it would seem hopeless, regardless of a US non-intervention policy, to use funds so effectively as to change substantially outcome of elections. Moreover we would obviously not wish to single out any one element in opposition for support. Unfortunately, the opposition parties are still unable to unite.
At the same time I suggest that the Department may wish to give serious consideration to the possibility in the near future of using what are for this government untried and unorthodox methods of aiding anti-Communist forces in this country.
- The reference here is to the program for United States assistance to Greece and Turkey. For documentation on this subject, see vol. v, pp. 1 ff.↩