1/ THE HUNGARIAN REVOLUTION, DAY 12
69 years ago today, the Hungarian Revolution was poised on a knife edge. With Soviet troops pouring into the country – but not yet in action – the Hungarian government made last-ditch efforts to avert an imminent attack.
69 years ago today, the Hungarian Revolution was poised on a knife edge. With Soviet troops pouring into the country – but not yet in action – the Hungarian government made last-ditch efforts to avert an imminent attack.
2/ On the surface, things seem calm: there is no violence, and Soviet negotiators are present in Budapest to discuss topics such as troop withdrawals, ceremonial farewells for the Soviets, and the preservation and restoration of Soviet war memorials.
3/ Prime Minister Imre Nagy reshuffles his government for one last time, replacing the ministers of the previous government. Plans are made for multi-party elections to be held early in 1957. Workers end their strikes, and shops and markets are open as normal.
4/ The Soviets invite a Hungarian delegation led by General Pál Maléter to continue the morning's military-technical negotiations in Tököl, at the High Command of the Soviet Forces in Hungary. However, it turns out to be a trap.
5/ Around midnight, General Ivan Serov, the head of the Soviet KGB, arrests the Hungarian military delegation in the meeting room. ÁVH head László Piros and other Hungarian secret policemen also participate in the action. The move decapitates the Hungarian military command.
6/ By this time, 1,000+ tanks and 50,000 Soviet troops are ready to advance on Budapest. Soviet troops close the Hungarian-Austrian border and Budapest's Ferihegy airport to prevent Hungarians fleeing from the attack which is now only hours away.
(To be continued tomorrow.)
(To be continued tomorrow.)
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