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

ecognized Austria’s independence and Austria Hungary’s without raising
the border issue at all?”
Wilson: “I repeat, I have been informed that the problem has been raised by
the Austrian side.”
A long debate started after the president’s final comment, at the end of
which they finally agreed to the following: “Austria is urged to recognize the
border in existence since 1869 (actually 1867—J.B.) between it and Hungary
and, if any disagreement arises over it between the two countries, then the
Allied and Associated Powers will address the question, as needed.” 183
As is now known, the “any disagreement arising” was eventually raised to
such a level that border “adjustment” was required in the western area of
Hungary. Davis Hunter Miller did not record how all this came to pass or later,
how the victors were forced to redress somewhat the injustices performed by
the Sopron plebiscite. He only recorded that the recommendation of the four
border adjustment committees (The Czechs, Romanians, South Slavs and
Austrians) was unanimously accepted by the Council of Foreign Ministers. In
the end, the notes and memoranda submitted by the Hungarian peace
delegation, which rebutted with facts and figures the deluge of border claims
based on false and skewed facts, the decision makers did not even deign to
read. Hungary’s new borders were submitted to a full session of the highest
body of the peace conference as the decision of the Entente’s foreign ministers
for the purpose of entering the terms into the future treaty with Hungary. Before
it was done, however, perhaps to assuage their consciences, British Prime
Minister David Lloyd George expressed an interest at the last minute how
Austria and Hungary may be ensured free access to the seas, which their
artificial borders precluded. The suggestion was supported by Italian prime
Minister Orlando and US President Wilson, who wished to ‘guarantee’ for both
countries possibilities and protection in this regard. A four-member
subcommittee was formed (the 179 th of the peace conference) which, in
cooperation with the sub-committee of ports, waterways and railway matters,
attempted to create, on paper, sea access for the two countries. After amicable
discussion, they were unable to ensure ‘guaranteed’ access to a sea for either
Hungary or Austria.
Hungarian public opinion and the highest levels of government were deeply
disturbed by the unrestrained behavior of their former ally and partner country.
Sensing this, the Austrian government – while the Hungarian delegation
continued to dispute Austria’s claims to Western Hungary – looked for support
to strengthen its foreign policy subsequent to the Saint-Germain treaty.
Chancellor Renner and Foreign Minister Beneš signed a secret agreement on
January 12, 1920 in Prague. The agreement stipulated that, in the case of an
attack on either country, mutual assistance – including military – was to be
extended to the other. The agreement also offered assurances to Austria in
recognizing its right to Westungarn. The Hungarian paper, Az Újság, printed
183 Ibid, pp. 35-36.
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