Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Eastern Europe, Volume XXV

272. Memorandum of a Telephone Conversation Between the President and the Secretary of State, Washington, October 21, 1957, 9:25 a.m.¹

Washington, October 21, 1957, 9:25 a.m.

The President called the Secretary of State regarding proposed statement to be issued in his name on October 23rd, the anniversary of the Hungarian revolt of last year.² The President questioned the wisdom of issuing the statement, and Dulles said that he, too, had his doubts. However, he said that CIA was very strong for it. President could not see how it would help the Hungarian people—said it was nothing but an occasion when we would again say look out for the Communists.

The President finally said he would call Allen Dulles in to ask why he thought it was important.³

1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Eisenhower Diaries. Prepared in the Office of the President.

2. The statement as released on October 23 reads:

   “A year ago today the Hungarian people attempted to establish a free government of their own choice. Their attempt was ruthlessly and brutally crushed by the armed forces of their Communist oppressors.

   “All Americans as well as free people the world over will remember this historic event not only with sorrow for the sacrifices of the Hungarian people but with feelings of deep respect for their outstanding courage.” (Department of State Bulletin, November 11, 1957, p. 748)

   Dulles sent a longer version of this statement to the President on October 9. The statement noted that the Hungarian people “rose against their oppressors” only to have their national independence “brutally crushed by Soviet armed force”. The statement continued that “the fierce love of freedom lives on” and indicated that the United States as well as other members of the United Nations had “constantly sought to relieve the suffering and rectify the injustice inflicted on the Hungarian people”. It concluded with the pledge to “continue to strive for the goal of a Hungarian nation that is as free as it is brave”. (Department of State, Central Files, 764.00/10–957)

3. No record of Eisenhower’s conversation with Allen Dulles has been found. Secretary Dulles did call Allen Dulles immediately after his call from the President. The memorandum of the conversation reads: “The Sec told him re the call from the Pres on the Hungarian statement. AWD said he thought we were trying to play it down and not stir things up. The Sec said he acted with CIA guidance and the Pres will be in touch.” (Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, General Telephone Conversations)