The Fate of Western Hungary 1918-1921 - Corvinus Library ...

warned the papers in official telegrams to cease their undermining activities
against the country, else all Hungarian newspapers will be banned from the
country.” 427
An important function of organizing statehood is the introduction of postal
and telegraphic traffic, which entails the issuance of stamps valid over the
entire area. The latter was regulated by György Hir, counselor for economic
matters on the Governing Council, in his directive issued on October 5 (G.ü.
5/1921), with the following justification. “In its proclamation of independence
of October 4, 1921, the Constitutional Council of Western Hungary declared
the territories of zone A and B to be the territory of Lajta-Banate. I now order
Lt. László Szendey to assume interim responsibility for all matters relating to
the postal service of Lajta-Banate. I direct the creation in Felsőőr for an
independent stamp collecting and stamp issuing office. The stamp supplies in
all the post offices of zone A and B to be over stamped with ‘Lajta-Banate’,
with the exception of the 100 Korona stamps. These over stamped stamps are to
be issued at a 50% surcharge, to cover previous debts, to the post offices
requiring them. I instruct Mr. Szendey to make a report to me in three days
regarding the execution of my directive. As well, I ask for his report on the time
that existing stocks of stamps in the post offices will suffice to meet demand. /
György Hir / Counselor for Economic Matters / Governing Council / Place for
Seal” 428
In the southern area controlled by the rebels, the stamps appeared on
October 5, overprinted on the front in black with ‘Lajta-Banate’ and on the
back with ‘50% surcharge. Supreme Command’. This was the first official
stamp of the new country, in 12 values, printed in Felsőőr. 429 This issue was
valid for the entirety of Lajta-Banate, however, it was mainly used by the post
offices of the central and southern sectors. The issuance of the overprinted
stamps was reported and registered in the appropriate international offices. We
quote:
“Supreme Command of the Western Hungary Insurrection
International Union of Postal Union
Bern
Western Hungary has declared itself independent by an October 4, 1921
decision of its Constitutional Assembly and will issue its own stamps as the
sovereign state of Lajta-Banate. Until new stamps are ready, the postal service
of Lajta-Banate will issue Hungarian stamps with overprinting, as well as the 5
Fillér Harvest stamp will be overprinted to the new value of 2.50 Korona.
The undersigned Supreme Command, which is charged with governing and
427 Lajtabánság, 1921, November 3, (issue 1), p. 4.
428 Jászai, Emánuel János: A magyar bélyegek katalógusa [Catalogue of Hungarian
stamps]. Budapest. 1927, p. 160; Prónay, 1986, op. cit., p. 131.
429 Tóth Alajos, 1932, op. cit., p. 109.
168