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Sweden Starts Talks with Russia for Wallenberg’s Release

January 13, 1955
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Talks have been held between Swedish and Soviet authorities for the release of Raoul Wallenberg. “The Swedish Hero of the Budapest Chetto,” who is credited with having saved the lives of many Jews during the Nazi occupation of Hungary, it was reported here today.

Mr. Wallenberg, Jewish businessman of Swedish nationality, was in Budapest when the Second World War broke out and became semi-officially attached to the Swedish legation there. During the war, it was reported, he did much to protect Jews in the Hungarian capital and managed to rescue a number of them.

When the Russians marched into the city in January, 1945, Mr. Wallenberg represented himself to the Soviet authorities as Swedish Charge d’Affaires in liberated Hungary. Shortly afterwards he disappeared, and has not been seen since. It is believed that he is being held by the Soviets on charges of being a Nazi spy.

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