LBJ National Security Country Files - Hungary

BOX 195 - Browse documents HERE​

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Folder 1 (67 documents) - September 1965 - March 1968

Memoranda and telegrams on a range of issues, such as the Hungarian Federation of America, a meeting of Communist Parties in Budapest. Most documents pertain to Cardinal Minszenty’s status, his desire to leave the shelter of the US embassy in spite of the risks, the visit of Austrian Cardinal Koenig, and negotiations between the Vatican and Hungary.

 

Folder 2 (81 documents) - December 1963 - August 1968

Telegrams, airgrams, and memos on US-Hungary relations, trade relations, the defection of Erno Bernat in the US, and Hungarian relics stolen by the Nazis. Documents on Cardinal Mindszenty’s battle with tuberculosis and other health issues, and negotiations with the Vatican and Hungary on his possible amnesty. 

 

Folder 3 (69 documents) - March 1946 - July 1968

Memoranda on US-Hungarian trade and diplomatic talks, ambassadorial appointments in the US and Hungary, the Budapest Trade Fair of 1966, and the Vietnam War. Document the arrest and status of US citizen Richard Goos. Documents on Cardinal Mindszenty and US-Hungary relations. 

 

Folder 4 (56 documents) - December 1963 - November 1967

Instructions for embassy staff and contingency instructions, including a draft press statement in the event of Cardinal Mindszenty's walkout. A series of letters from Cardinal Minszenty to President Johnson, including this one thanking LBJ for arranging the return of the Hungarian crown and other relics to Hungary. Responses such as this one to Cardinal Mindszenty from the US Charge d'Affaires on LBJ’s behalf. 

 

Folder 5 (43 documents) February 1964  - April 1965

A series of letters from Cardinal Mindzenty to President Johnson, including this one requesting LBJ’s intervention to save the “Holy Crown” of Hungary. Other letters seek help for the “captive nations” of Central Europe and the Hungarian minority in Romania, while arguing against improving US relations with communist Hungary. Telegrams, memos, and other documents regarding the Cardinal’s concerns and the US response via the Charge d'Affaires in Budpaest.

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