The Daily News. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1921. THE HUNGARIAN CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 September 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1921. THE HUNGARIAN CRISIS.

Comparatively unimportant as the Austro-Hungarian crisis may seem as compared with any serious disturbance in Germany, there nevertheless exist elements that may develop into sei’ious complications unless firm measures are adopted to cope with the present aggressive spirit that is present in'Hungary. When th? Avars, as they were then called, came into prominence towards the close of the ninth century, they were regarded by Germany as Huns, but in their own language were named Magyars, or Hungarians (strangers). They were pagans, wild and savage'in their habits, and extraordinary riders, and it would seom 'that though succeeding generations have imprinted more or less civilisation on these people, they still bear the characteristics of their ancestors in a modified form. They have always been a thorn in Germany’s flesh, and ever ready for an upheaval, having at various times been at war-with Germany, with Turkey, Russia, and the Eastern Empire, in rebellion against the Holy Roman Empire, and engaged in revolutions of their own, chiefly 'the result of the headlong violence of political passions. It was not until 1849 that the independence of Hungary was proclaimed, and therewith, a life and death struggle in place of peace for which most of the people yearned, the new State being virtually a Republic. It is worthy of note that the independence of Hungary at that time was only possible on two assumptions: (1) that she would never have to assert herself against any enemy except Austria, and (2) that the flower of the Austrian army would continue to be locked up in Italy. Both these assumptions were fallacious. The victorious conclusion of the war with Sardinia allowed Austria to place generals of the school, of Radetzky in the field, and by that means to restore to her troops that confidence in their leaders which they had lost. The unexpected happened. Russia agreed to assist Austria, much to the consternation of the Hungarians, with the inevitable result. “Hungary,” Paskevitch wrote to the Emperor Nicholas, “lies at your Majesty’s feet.” Exasperation and revenge now had full play. The victor became the. executioner, punishment became vengeance. The Hungarian constitution was treated as forfeit, the country remained under martial law, and even the idea of cutting it up into several Crown provinces was discussed. The horrors that succeeded are matters of history, so also is the constitution of the dual monarchy in 1867. This brief I insight into the struggles of HtmI gary for independence throws I some light on the crisis that has nO w arisen. When Austria be-

came powerless after the late war, Hungary once again was presented with an opportunity to become independent, but the old spirit of revolt came to the fore, and probably the desire to pay off some ' of the old scores against Austria. Hungary has obtained independence, but there is evidently a powerful section of militarists who are bent on making Hungary a kingdom out of the ashes of Austria, whose territory is now being looted, and the frontiers over-run. At first Austria took up the attitude of declining to attempt to cope with the armed Hungarian insurgents, but the latest report is to the effect that the Austrian. Government is despatching all available troops to protect the frontier. The Ambassadors’ Conference has intimated to the Hungarian Government that punitive measures will be taken to ensure the execution of treaty engagements if Hungary persists in her present attitude. From what is known of the Hungarians as reflected in their past history, it appears evident they are largely imbued with opportunism. They know the Allies will not take action unless driven thereto, therefore they are inclined to treat any Allied threat with scant respect. In fact, the Hungarian military leaders are defying both the Allies and Austria. There can be no question that the Magyars are out to cause trouble; also that, to further their to dominate Austria, they incline towards a monarchy. The danger is that the trouble may be allowed to grow and get out of hand. At present it can be eliminated by prompt and effective action, not necessarily by taking military measures, but by making the Hungarians realise that the Allies are in earnest as to treaty conditions being fully carried out, and that unless Hungary settles down to a peaceful existence she will risk a continuation of national existence. It is particularly necessary to avoid all pretext for German interference in the affairs of Austria and Hungary, and that is why the matter. requires more than ordinary care and firmness. The Allies are quite capable of putting an end to the present trouble if only they can agree as to the best means to that end, it being understood that military operations are only to be used as a last resort. The disturbance has already lasted too long; it is time the Allies made Hungary bow to the inevitable.