The Situation in Hungary
Confusion reigns in Buda-Pesth, and at the moment of going to press the position was still obscure. What is certain is that Admiral Horthy, seeing Russian troops about to break into the Hungarian plain from the east, and threatening another break-through from the north-east, and evidently recognising that Germany was losing the war, announced that his Government had asked for an armistice ; and that immediately afterwards another announcement stated that Horthy had been deposed, and that Szalasi, leader of the pro-German Fascist group, had become acting Regent and Prime Minister. What has happened to Horthy personally is not clear, but it is evident that Szalasi is very far from having it all his own way. Fighting is reported to be going on in Buda-Pesth between Germans and Hungarians, and Hungarian troops are said to be marching towards the capital against the Szalasi Government. The German news agency has stated that the Commander-in-Chief of the Hun- garian Army and his Chief of Staff has "deserted" to the Russians. h is clear that a keen struggle for power is in process, the outcome of which is undecided, but, even if Szalasi should win, his victory will not be comparable to a victory of Hitler over his generals— it would be no more than the inconclusive and temporary victory of a quisling ruler over Hungarians. How much fighting against the Russians can be expected from Hungarian soldiers who have just been led to expect an armistice and are now required by German agents to fight on? In any case, Germany has lost ah effective ally. She will probably find that if Hungary is to be defended she, must seek means to defend it herself. Another liability.
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