Teleki Forms Cabinet in Hungary; Cautious Veering from Reich Orbit Seen

Despite Regent Nicholas Horthy’s determination to steer away from the totalitarian states, no immediate about-face in Hungarian policies was expected from the new Government formed today by Premier Paul Teleki, called to office Wednesday when anti-Semitic Bela Imredy resigned because of his Jewish ancestry.

Imredy was the only figure dropped from the Government. Political observers, however, regarded Count Teleki’s ascension to office as the first precise indication of Regent Horthy’s firm decision to tolerate no further orientation toward the totalitarian orbit. On the other hand, the same sources pointed out that Hungary — like Austria and CzechcSlovakia — is astride the avenue of “geographical politics” mapped by the Reich in its expansionist ambitions in Southeast Europe. It would scarcely seem possible, therefore, they said, to forecast a sudden revision of Budapest’s policies, which to date have been receiving encouragement from Rome and Berlin.

It was realised here that Budapest must feel assured of outside support and that immediate action must be undertaken to create solidarity among the small powers of South and Central Europe before such a reorientation could be attempted. Hungarian quarters believed that the material was at hand for such a common front, but equally felt that immediate action was necessary if its realization was to be sought with any chance of success.

Linked with this reported trend away from Berlin and Rome were rumors that Ferenc Szalasy’s Hungarian Nazi Party may be dissolved by the Teleki government. It was disclosed that the synagogue bombing here on Feb. 3 was perpetrated by two youths who claimed they had been incited to the act by one of Szalasy’s followers. The irredentist “Hungarian Life” Party was also reported involved in the bombing, which injured 20 persons.