Amerikai Magyar hirlap = American Magyar journal. [volume] (Youngstown, Ohio) 1911-1942, 1939-02-02
BY CONSTANTINE BROWN

'slavia have lost the short-lived free |
dom which the World War brought
them. Nineteen hundred thirty-nine
finds them German dependencies. All
their moves, all their activities within
and without are controlled by Ber-
lin. "The Germans, said leading
Hungarian, "do not know what part
nership means. They order and their
so-called associates must obey II
you do not you are squashed like
fly"
Before the war what is now Yugo-
slavia was divided into two parts.
One was Serbia proper, an independent
kingdom inapames under the tutelage
of Russia. The Muscovite ambassador
of Belgrade was the real ruler of the
country. But the Russians are bene-
VIOLENT dictators. They did use the
Serbs as tool for their international
intrigues; for their fight with Austria.
But aside from this, they allowed the
country to develop and frequently
rendered economic assistance. In pre-
war days the great powers felt they
had obligations toward their protegees
and did not squeeze them economically
and politically. The other section of
YugosIavia-croatia, Daimatia, SIo-
venia, Bosnia and Herzegovina-be-
ionged to the Austro-Hungarian EN-
pire.
Hungary lost her freedom centuries
ago and found salvation in forming
a dual state with Austria. Because
af the pugnacity and energy of the
Hungariansx-as compared with the
.Austrians-hey frequently played
first fiddle in the dual monerchy.
However, the army was Austrian
(Hungary was permitted only local
militia without artillery and dipIo-
matic affairs and empire finances
were directed from Vienna.
WAR BRINGS FREEDOM
The defeat of the Central Powers
in 1918 made Hungary for the first
time in many years truly indepen-
dent country. The Magyars smarted
under the harshness of the Trianon
treaty, They bitterly resented the
territorial losses which reduced the
new kingdom to a skeleton of the old
monarchy. The military limitations
imposed by the treaty were hard to
bear; SO were in appearance the
clauses which prohibited the restora-
tion of the Hapsburghs. But actually
there was little love for the old dy-
nasty. The resentment Of the Hun
garian population sprang primarily
from the fact that restoration was
forbidden by an unjust treaty.
Aside from these restrictions, how
ever, Hungary was free within her
borders. She could trade with whom
ever she desired; could treat her ma
tionaIs of whatever race or creed
in her own manner.
All this has gone, Germany's pc
netration towards the East has trans
formed two independent states into
vassals.
LITTLE LOVE FOR GERMANY
There is little love for the Germans
and their system Of government In
either country. The man in the street
Is outspoken In his criticism Of the
Reich. The man In high offices are
usually silent; they grin and bear 1t.
But given an opportunity, they say
plenty. Both countries have known
the domination Of the Turks. In
Belgrade and Budapest ! heard the
same tale:
"The Turks sent governors and
soldiers here. But as long as the
yearly tribute was paid and there
was no open rebellion we had little to
complain OF. They were poor COVER
nors. They exacted heavy taxes but
when paid, they left Us alone. The
Germans seem Unsuitable. They don't
govern us. They merely send instruc-
tions from Berlin. Modern diplomacy
permits them to squeeze us under the
pretext of trade arrangements. But
these trade agreements are more