OSA / Digital archive / Background reports / Subjects / Browse / Search
The text below might contain errors as it was reproduced by OCR software from the digitized originals,
also available as Scanned original in PDF.BOX-FOLDER-REPORT: 30-3-72 TITLE: Comparison of "Trybuna Ludu" Summary with Original "Pravda" Articles on NAGY Execution BY: DATE: 1958-6-30 COUNTRY: Hungary ORIGINAL SUBJECT: Evaluation and Research Section THEMATIC SUBJECTS: Hungary--1956-1965, Hungary--1956 Revolution, Political Persecution --- Begin --- Hungary "B" DISTRIBUTION - 335 30 JUKE 1958 RPE HEWS & INFORMATION SERVICE - EVALUATION & RESEARCH SECTION Editorial Unit COMPARISON OP "TRYBUNA LUDU" SUMMARY WITH ORIGINAL "PRAVDA" ARTICLE ON NAGY EXECUTION The Polish Party daily "Trybuna Ludu" published on June 25 a summarized version of the MOSCOW "Pravda" editorial of June 24 attacking the "hue and cry" in the West over the execution of Imre Nagy. Below we publish in the left hand column the complete English translation of the "Pravda" article and on the right the Polish version, showing which passages have been directly quoted, which have been summarized and which have been omitted. (Note that the "Pravda" version is the English translation broadcast by Tass; the "Trybuna Ludu" version is a translation from the Polish by the RFE Evaluation translators. Some of the apparent differences in the two versions my be due to the fact that the letter is "second-hand" translation.) * * * "PRAVDA" WHY THE PATRONS OP THE ENEMIES OF PEOPLE'S HUNGARY TAKE ALARM In recent days official quarters in the United States and other Western powers have again launched a campaign against the Hungarian People's Republic and all socialist countries in connection with the sentence passed by the Supreme Court of Hungary in the case of Imre Nagy, the traitor to the Hungarian people, and his accomplices. A campaign has also been conducted in the reactionary press. "TRYBUNA LUDU" "PRAVDA" ON THE REACTION OF THE WEST TO THE IMRE NAGY CASE (The Polish version does not quote the original "Pravda "heading.) Summarized: MOSCOW, PAP. -- The daily "Pravda", writing about the campaign which has been launched by official circles in the US and other Western countries against the Hungarian People's Republic and other socialist countries in connection with the sentence of the Hungarian Supreme Court in the case of Imre Nagy and his group, declares among other things: [page 2] "PRAVDA" "TRYBUNA LUEU" Fascist-minded elements in some capitalist countries are staging provocations against the Diplomatic Missions of the Hungarian People's Republic and the Soviet Union and are raiding the premises of Communist Parties and other progressive organizations. These provocative actions are well organized, the pogrom mongers enjoy the patronage of the police and the authorities. One cannot help noticing that the tactics of the imperialist forces in recent days are very much reminiscent of their tactics of autumn 1956, when the reactionaries in the United States, Britain and Prance, having raised a hysterical clamor around events in Hungary, started the Anglo-Israeli aggression against Egypt, in an effort to bury the independence of that country and to strike a blow at the entire national liberation movement of the eastern people. It will be recalled that simultaneously a reactionary campaign was launched against the Communist Parties, against the working class of France, the Netherlands, Belgium and other capitalist countries. At that time, in 1956, the imperialist conspiracy was thwarted by the rapid defeat of the counter-revolution in Hungary, the resolute action of all peace loving peoples against the tripartite aggression in Egypt, the devoted struggle of the West European working people against the fascist provocations. Since then much has changed in the world. The strength of the socialist camp has immeasurably increased. Quoted: "Fascist elements in certain capitalist countries are organizing provocations against the diplomatic representations of Hungary and the USSR; they are assaulting the seats of Communist Parties and other progressive organizations. These provocative undertakings have the character of an organized action and those taking part in violence are enjoying the protection of the police and the authorities. "It cannot be. overlooked that the tactics of the imperialist forces in recent days recall increasingly the tactics applied by them in autumn 1956, when reactionary circles in the US, England and Prance, while raising a hysterical uproar around the Hungarian events, launched an Anglo-French-Israeli aggression in Egypt, trying to bury the independence of this country and to inflict a blow upon the whole national liberation movement in the East. As is known, at the same time a reactionary crusade was launched against Communist Parties and against the Working class of Prance, Holland, Belgium and other capitalist countries. "Then in 1956 the quick shattering of the counter-revolution in Hungary, the determined attitude of all the peace-loving nations against the triple aggression in Egypt and the devoted struggle of the Western European working masses against fascist provocations put an end to the imperialist plot. "Since that time many things have changed in the world. The power of the socialist camp has greatly increased and has been consolidated. [page 3] "PRAVDA" "TRYBUNA LUDU" Contrary to the empty boasts of the ringleaders of imperialist policy, alleging that they succeeded in provoking a "crisis of Communism", the unity of the Communist and workers parties of the socialist countries is now stronger then ever before. This is even acknowledged in a way by the opponents of Communism. In November 1957 the British conservative newspaper "Daily Telegraph and Morning Post", commenting on the conference of representatives of Communist and workers parties in MOSCOW, which drafted a decal ration, the most important programatic document of contemporary Communism, asked who could forecast in November last, when the events in Hungary and Poland were at their highest, that all Communist Parties, except Yugoslavia, would agree to sign a declaration on common purposes? Such reactionary newspapers as the "New York Times" spoke of "Communist unity", the "organizational cohesion" of the Communist movement. A decisive factor making for the further cohesion of the entire socialist camp was the consistent application of the principles of proletarian internationalism, the allegiance of all fraternal Communist and workers parties to the glorious battle standard of Marxism-Leninism. The peace-loving policy pursued by the Soviet Union, the specific proposals made by the USSR for a relaxation of international tension, the increased economic co-operation between the socialist countries and the Afro Asian countries, helped to strengthen the spirit of peaceful coexistence. The principles of Bandung have struck firm roots in the minds Omitted [page 4] "PRAVDA" "TRYBUNA LUDU" of millions of people in all countries. The forces of the national liberation movement have gained in strength not only in Asia but also in Africa and Latin America. A powerful international movement has sprung up in defense of peace, against the atomic threat, against military blocs and the "cold war". Omitted At the same time the imperialist world and its main bastion -- the United States -- have been confronted by an economic crisis. The working people have stepped up their struggle against the offensive by the monopolies. The fear of reactionary Western circles of normalization of international affairs and discontinuation of the "cold war", thus has its reasons. They were recently discussed by Dorothy THOMPSON, the American journalist, in the "Washington Star". She said that for decades a factor making for industrial boom in the United States was the expenditure for a shooting war, for a cold war and for war preparations... (Tass ellipses). War and war preparations had become America's biggest business. The business activity of four major American corporations. This was the main export item. The United States, she said, did not want any radical disarmament to infringe the interests of the stock exchange and to give rise to queues of unemployed for charity... (Tass ellipses) It is highly important for American big business to maintain international tension, just now when crisis symptoms are most manifest in the United Summarized: Continuing, the "Pravda" article asserts that the great American capital, and first of all the arms producers, are for the maintenance of international tensi?? especially at present when the economic recession in the United States is being felt. [page 5] "PRAVDA" "TRYBUNA LUDU" States economy. The creation of a normal situation will inevitably lead to the restoration of normal economic life and the expansion of business contacts between the Western countries and the countries of the socialist camp. The death merchants understand full well that their goods will not be in demand if normal economic relations exist between States. Military bases, armaments exports, supplies of military equipment will no longer bring such big profits as they do today. The magazine of Wall Street declared with cynical bluntness that many manufacturers undoubtedly expected that a revival of international tension would bring them bigger defense expenditure.... (Tass ellipses) Summarized: (See previous page) The American press states quite openly that the Imre Nagy trial has provided a splendid pretext to bury summit talks which would lead to the relaxation of tension. The "New York Times" correspondent, DOTY, writes that the present situation, as is contended, should be used to persuade the entire Western world of the wisdom of the cautious diplomacy conducted by Secretary of State DULLES. It is common knowledge that it is this very "brinkmanship" that has led the Western powers into an impasse and met with the emphatic condemnation by all peace-loving peoples. "New York Herald Tribune" columnist LIPPMANN, characterizing the positions of certain United States circles, writes that their purpose is to drive the Russians from Europe, from Africa and from a large part of Asia, if possible to their prewar positions. It is not difficult to see that Quoted: "The American press sincerely asserts," "Pravda" goes on, "that the case of Imre Nagy is a perfect pretext for burying summit negotiations which would lead to the easing of international tension. The correspondent of the 'New York Times', DOTY, writes that the present situation 'should be exploited, as they say, in order to convince the whole Western world about the wisdom of the cautious diplomatic line taken by Secretary of State DULLES'. "As is known, it is a matter of the same 'on the verge of war' line as a result of which the Western countries have found themselves in an impasse and which has been strongly condemned by all the peace loving nations. "The columnist LIPPMANN of 'New York Herald Tribune', while describing the attitude of certain United States circles writes that 'it is their aim to oust the Russians from Europe again... from Africa and from [page 6] "PRAVDA" "TRYBUNA LUDU" this "purpose" is a repetition of the old, long since discredited adventurist policy of encroachment on the socialist countries and their friendly relations with the independent countries of Asia and Africa. To those who are dreaming of attaining so crazy a "goal" we can give old advice: have a glass of cold water, gentlemen! And if that does not help them, the lovers of military adventures should do well to remember that the socialist countries have everything necessary at their disposal to strike back at any aggressor and to make him give up any intention of encroaching on the socialist camp. the major part of Asia -- if possible to the pre-war positions'. "It is not difficult to come to the conclusion that this 'aim' is a repetition of the long bankrupt adventurist policy of assaults against socialist countries and against their friendly relations with the independent nations of Africa and Asia. "The following old advice can be given to those who are dreaming about the realization of such a mad 'aim': Gentlemen, take a drink of cold water, and if the does not help, then let those who want war adventures remember that the socialist countries have at their disposal everything indispensable to beat any aggressor and will make him once and for all lose all desire to raise his hand against the socialist camp. By their military gambling monopoly circles of the Western powers are trying to find a way out from their economic and political difficulties. The imperialist circles of the United States and some other Western countries have renewed attempts in recent months to undermine the independent policies of such nations as India, Burma, Indonesia, and Ceylon. The propaganda campaign in the American and other bourgeois press, spearheaded against the governments and individual leaders of those countries, has been going on behind the signboard of "anti-Communism". Omitted Today it is in the Arab world that the tension is at its greatest. Imperialist powers are prepared to intervene in Lebanon, whose people are fighting for their independence and against the infamous "DULLESEISENHOWER doctrine". Large naval and air forces of the United States and Britain are massed in the vicinity of Lebanon and are waiting for the Quoted: "At present the tension in the Arab East is at its greatest. The imperialist countries are on the threshold of intervention in the Lebanon where the nation is struggling for independence against the notorious 'DULLES and EISENHOWER doctrine' "Considerable forces of the United States and English navy and air force are concentrated at the gates of the Lebanon [page 7] "PRAVDA" "TRYBUNA LUDU" go-ahead. American, British and Frenah arms are being delivered to Lebanon. The aggressive BAGHDAD Pact system has been set into motion. Israeli troops are poised in readiness on the Lebanese frontier. The United States and Britain have succeeded in getting United Nations "observers" sent to the Lebanon, to cover up the preparations for intervention by the flag of this international organization. An important intervention in Lebanon would mean creating a common war front of colonialists from Lebanon all the way to Algeria with the prospect of this front being extended into the depth of Africa and Asia. Such an intervention would spell a grave danger to the independence of all Asiatic nations. It is to divert the attention of world public opinion from their aggressive scheming that the imperialist powers have started a fuss over the Imre Nagy trial and set about whipping up an unrestrained "anti-Communist" hysteria. awaiting the signal to land. American, English and French arms are being directed to the Lebanon. The system of the aggressive BAGHDAD Pact has been put into operation. The Israeli forces are standing in readiness at the Lebanese frontier. The United States and England have forced the delegation of UN observers to go to the Lebanon, thus trying to cover with the flag of this international organization the preparations for intervention. Imperialist intervention in the Lebanon would mean the creation of a uniform military front of colonialists from the Lebanon to Algeria with the prospect of its being moved further into Africa and Asia. An intervention of this kind would seriously threaten the independence of all Asiatic countries. "Exactly in order to divert the attention of world opinion from their aggressive plans the imperialist powers have raised a fuss over the case of Imre Nagy and resorted to whipping up unrestrained 'anti-Communist' hysteria. The traitor to the Hungarian people is being mourned by the State Department of the United States while American-supplied arms are being used to shoot Lebanese patriots. An associated press correspondent reports that the United States wants an urgent meeting of the so-called "United Nations Special Committee for Hungary" to consider the sentence passed on Imre Nagy, the traitor. Weeping crocodile tears are representatives of the British Government, the men who are responsible for the unceasing Omitted [page 8] "PRAVEA" bloodletting in Kenya and elsewhere. Hollow praises to the mercenaries of imperialism are being sung by a spokesman of the French foreign office who seems naive enough to think that the world has forgotten all about the continued atrocities of French colonialists in Algeria. Western aggressive circles are prepared to use anything which suits their selfish purpose in order to aggravate the international situation, to fan up the "cold war" again, to make summit talks impossible and launch open military adventures as soon as they find it possible . This adventuristic policy is in the eyes of monopoly circles of the United States and Britain a way to "salvation" from the deepening economic crisis and to putting down the large scale democratic movement for peace and social progress in their countries. This is exactly the reason why reactionary circles in the West have resorted to a hysterical hue and cry over the condign punishment meted out to the Imre Nagy clique of traitors, The Hungarian people have punished the traitors in the way they deserved. It is clear to everyone that this is something which is of domestic concern to the Hungarian people and in which nobody has any right to interfere. The opponents of international detente have dropped the mask by having stage managed a rumpus around the trial of Hungarian traitors. Omitted "TRYBUNA LDDU" The maneuvering of imperialist circles, which is a threat to international peace and security, is being resolutely rebuffed by democratic forces of all Quoted; "The maneuvers of imperialist circles, which are a threat to the peace and security of the nations, are encountering[1] determined resistance from the [page 9] "PRAVDA" "TRYBUNA LUDU" countries. The masses of the working people in the East and the West realize that this time, too, a reactionary campaign of slander against the Hungarian . People's Republic and other socialist countries is directed not only against these countries "but against all progressive forces in the capitalist countries as well. democratic forces of all nations and countries. The working masses of the West and East understand that the slanderous campaign of the reactionaries against the Hungarian People's Republic is this time aimed not only at these countries, but also at all the progressive forces in the capitalist countries. "Certain adversaries of unity of all democratic forces", the French "L'Humanite" writes-- "unity which is essential to defeat fascism - have seized on the BUDAPEST verdict, a purely domestic matter of Hungary, as an excuse for their own actions. But nothing can justify these maneuvers which play into the hands of the enemies of the republic." Exposing the Western powers[1] attempts- to use the present situation for wrecking the possibility of summit talks, "L'Humanite" points out: "It is commonly known that the Western powers have long since been averse to negotiating with the Soviet Union. This new pretext only adds to the long list of just as false pretexts." Palmiro,TOGLIATTI, general secretary of the Italian Communist Party, commenting on the sentence passed on the Imre Nagy clique, said in an interview with Paese SERA! "In spite of the defeat sustained in 1956, the United States-led so-called Western bloc is still putting forward as its demand and principal objective the destruction of the people's and socialist system of government in the East European countries, beginning with Hungary. There is still not the slightest sign of relaxation in this field; Omitted [page 10] PRAVDA" TRYBUNA LUDU" Consequently, those who are clamoring about the sentences passed in BUDAPEST are hypocrites, for quite a number of them have not only always welcomed the struggle for the destruction of people's and socialist government but have, perhaps, had a hand in it themselves." The British "Daily Worker," commenting on the campaign of slander in the West writes: "The active workers in the British labor movement should not be misled by this trickery. It is a good thing that the traitors, the reactionaries and the fascists were defeated 'in Hungary. The world is a more peaceful place because the Hungarian democracy still stands." Omitted The progressive press in the capitalist countries, while laying bare the reactionary maneuvers, is urging the working people to be vigilant and ready to repulse any attempt at deceiving the peoples and leading them astray from solving the most important problem of the day, that of Warding off the danger of a nuclear war and strengthening the peace of the world. "Quoted": "While unmasking the maneuvers of reaction the progressive press of the capitalist countries appeals to the working masses to be alert and ready to repel any attempts to cheat the nations and to drive them away from solving today's most important task - preventing the danger of atomic war and consolidating peace throughout the world. Public opinion in the socialist countries is unanimous in supporting the fair sentence passed on the traitors to the Hungarian people. This support is yet another indication of the unbreakable unity with which all the socialist countries helped the Hungarian people defeat the counterrevolution and continue successfully building socialism in the Hungarian People's Republic. Omitted The nations of the camp of socialism are equally unanimous in rejecting the intrigues of the imperialist forces which Quoted: "the countries of the socialist camp reject with the same unanimity the plots of the imperialist forces which are [page 11] "PRAVEA" "TRYBUNA LUDU" Jeopardize international peace and security. endangering peace and the security of nations." "The American imperialists who are engaged in-a criminal aggression against Lebanon and Indonesia, and are flatly refusing to hold a summit conference, "the "People's Daily" writes, "are making shameless attacks on the socialist countries and sympathizing with the Imre Nagy clique. This is in itself most cogent proof of the true meaning of the Imre Nagy clique's counter-revolutionary uprising." Omitted The Soviet Union and all countries of the socialist camp have been exposing and will expose the enemies of peace and all-those who, by resorting to slander and the false signboard of "anti-Communism", are attempting to interfere in the affairs of other countries, to sow the seeds of enmity and hatred between the peoples and to fan the "cold war". Loyal as she is to the principles of the Leninist policy of international peace, the Soviet Union, in common with the other countries of the socialist camp, will continue to do everything in her power to strengthen international security, reduce international tension, and insure the peace of the world. Quoted: "Pravda" concludes by saying: The Soviet Union and all countries of the socialist camp have unmasked and will continue to unmask the enemies of peace -- the people who through slander and the false standard of 'anti-Communism' are trying to interfere, in the internal affairs of other countries, to sow hatred and hostility among nations and to launch 'a cold war'. The Soviet Union, faithful to the principles of Leninist policy and peace among nations, together with all the countries of the socialist camp, will continue to do everything within its power to consolidate international security, reduce international tension and to ensure peace throughout the world." End
OSA / Digital archive / Background reports / Subjects / Browse / Search