Hadak Útján, 1953 (5. évfolyam, 45-56. szám)
1953-01-01 / 45. szám
Supplement to the Hadak Utján January 1953 A 700 years old Prophecy about the Eastern Peril (Hungary's King Bela IV. wrote to the Pope) 710 years ago the Mongols threatened Europe. The smaller nations and tribes that settled the territory nowadays called Russia proper were swept away by the hordes commanded by Batu Khan. In the face of the eastern peril only contemporary Hungary offered serious resistance. In the year 1241 a terrible battle was fought on Hungarian soil in a place called Muhi Puszta, in which King Béla IV. and his army who were only supported by the gallant Croats, were completely overwhelmed by the Tartars who were vastly superior in numbers. The Tartars roamed over the whole country killing and enslaving the major part of the population. After the enemy had finally departed King Béla IV. who after the battle of Muhi Puszta had found refuge in the Dalmatian town of Trail, returned to his country where he succeeded in establishing normal conditions in an amazingly short time. Ten years later — in other words exactly 700 years ago — rumours would have it that the Tartars planned another large-scale attack on Hungary, Europe's foremost eastern bastion. From this year 1250 dates King Béla IV. 's letter to Pope Innocent. It was lately discovered in old archives by the well-known Hungarian writer Aladár Kovách and its publication attracted considerable attention in scientific circles. The letter written 700 years ago reads like a prophecy, for the Hungarian, ruler gives a remarkably clear analysis of European policy, of Hungary's key position and of the importance of the country’s defence against the East. The letter is especially significant for our times, for it clearly proves a fact unfortunately ignored by most modern politicians, namely that Europe can only be defended on Hungarian soil against an invasion from the East, and that once Hungary is lost, the whole of Europe is in deadly peril. This fact which was so clearly understood by the ancient Hungarians and their king, once more became a reality in 1945. Already in such an early hour of history Hungary's king felt the need for European unity. In this document he gave proof of a political foresight rarely, if ever, equalled in history. In the beginning of his letter written in flawless Latin King Béla IV. gives a general survey of the political situation of contemporary Hungary. He points out that the country is surrounded by the pagan tribes in the way a herd is surrounded by a fence. „Our eastern neighbours are the Ruthenians and the Brodniks, the Bulgarians and Bosniaks live across our southern borders and the Germans occupy the territory to the north and west, But the latter with whom we share a common faith, instead of supporting us are looting and pillaging our land, thus letting us suffer the stings of war while we could rightfully expect offers of help".