Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XVII, Eastern Europe

104. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant for National Security (Bundy) to President Johnson¹

Washington, April 14, 1964.

Secretary Rusk is asking for your approval to accept a Hungarian offer to initiate confidential bilateral discussions looking toward the establishment of more normal relations between the U.S. and Hungary.²

If successful, these talks could produce several immediate and specific benefits, including: (1) the settlement of claims by American citizens for losses suffered from Hungarian nationalization and/or acquisition of American-owned property; (2) improved protection for American citizens in Hungary through the establishment of mutually acceptable consular arrangements; (3) rejoining of families separated since the Communist takeover, and more particularly in the wake of the 1956 revolution; (4) some increased trade; and (5) greater contacts between Americans and Hungarians resulting from improved diplomatic relations.

In a larger sense there is a long range and substantial advantage that could accrue from an improved American presence in Budapest. Hungary has perhaps gone farther than any other satellite in de-Stalinizing the Communist system and the movement in that direction continues. With strong representation there, the United States would be in a better position than it now is to take advantage of this situation and make its views and influence felt and understood.

On balance, it seems clearly in our interest to accept the Hungarian offer for these discussions and if you approve, they could get under way in Budapest on or about May 15.

McG. B.

Approved

Speak to me about this³

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Hungary, Memos, Vol. 1. Secret.
2. An April 8 memorandum from the Executive Secretariat of the Department of State requesting approval to proceed with negotiations is ibid.
3. President Johnson checked this option. A checkmark after “Approved,” initialed by Bundy, is dated April 21. In telegram 500 to Budapest, April 21, the Department of State forwarded the text of a note offering to begin discussions on or about May 15 in Budapest. (Department of State, Central Files, POL HUNG–US) In telegram 695 from Budapest, April 30, Jones reported that he had delivered the note. (Ibid.)