Egy elfeledett politikai botrány története: Horthy kormányzó 1923-as karcagi beszéde

Abstract

The long-known axiom in the world of politics is that not only written but spoken word, too, has weight and power. This is even more so when the words of a representative statemajesty are echoed in his own political environment, among his antipodes, and in the public opinion of other nations. Even at an event with a so marginal role as the 1923 inauguration of yeomen in Karcag, a scandal can be born and get international echo, if the first man of the state, Governor Horthy, who had been considered as the cornerstone of the system of counter-revolution, makes his thoughts and conviction public bluntly in ecstasy. But what a labyrinthine way does the uncertain content of a speech in Karcag take to get into the attention of the National Assembly, and then Little Entente diplomats? How does what was said in Karcag make its way into press in Prague, Paris, and London? How does the history of an interwar press scandal develop, and how does state powercover it up when it swells into an already unpleasant size? And what did the infamous speech contain? The author aims to provide answers and explanations to all this – in the light of resources.