Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech at Budapest official dinner

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Gundel Restaurant, Budapest
Source: Thatcher Archive: COI transcript
Editorial comments: Between 2000 and 2200.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 996
Themes: Defence (general), European Union (general), Foreign policy (Central & Eastern Europe), Foreign policy (USSR & successor states), Health policy, Defence (Gulf War, 1990-91)

József AntallPrime Minister Mrs. Antall, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Thank you very much for your welcome, Prime Minister. It is really good to be back in Hungary after six years, so much has happened in that time, far more than any of us could possibly have foreseen then. We were optimistic but not nearly optimistic enough!

Hungary has been in the front rank of the changes which have taken place. You started on economic reform well ahead of others in Central and Eastern Europe. It was Hungary's decision to open its borders to allow East Germans to go freely to the West which started the train of events leading to the demolition of the Berlin Wall and with the GDR, you held the first fully democratic elections in Central and Eastern Europe for over forty years and elected a Conservative Prime Minister. Once again, Hungary showed the right way!

Britain had a hand in these changes too. In the dark days of the Cold War, we took the decision to encourage and sustain the East European countries which wanted change and it was naturally to [end p1] Hungary that we turned first with my visit in 1984. We admired the efforts which Hungary was making to give itself some freedom of action within the constraints imposed by Soviet domination of Eastern Europe at that time. We also understood the need to move cautiously and not say things publicly which would only be counter-productive and raise suspicions about the dialogue we were seeking, but we thought that if Britain and Hungary could forge a new climate between them, then it would be a model for others and would help them enlarge their freedom and their independence.

And then Mr. Gorbachev came to power with his enormous influence on world events. He created the conditions in which many of these changes for which we scarcely dared hope could take place but I think his hand was strengthened by Hungary's example of what reform could achieve.

Now you have finally won back your full freedom and independence of action and are starting on the task of rebuilding. It is not going to be easy and the situation in the Gulf and its effect on oil prices and the world economy generally will inevitably add to your difficulties but I believe people understand the need for sacrifice in the short term if they can see that their government is leading them in the right direction and there is a real prospect of a better life at the end of it. You are entitled to look to your friends in the West for help and I am sure you will find it. I cannot resist quoting a most distinguished Hungarian of the last century, Count Szechenyi, who once commented: “The Germans write a lot, the French say a lot, but the English do a lot!” I think that is quite right and it reflects our very practical approach. [end p2]

I have been bombarded by letters from British companies before this visit telling me about joint ventures in which they are involved or want to be involved and I understand there are already forty-two of them. I am sure that number will increase as you get rid of remaining constraints and restrictions and re-establish full private property rights.

When I last came here, I went to your marvellous market but this time I am going to your stock exchange—and that is just one example of the progress that is already being made. The stock exchange is, of course, just another sort of market, less attractive and colourful but very important for the future of Hungary's economy.

British is also providing help through our Know-How Fund in areas where we have particular expertise to offer. Very good use is being made of this and it will continue.

May I just mention one other area where we enormously admire what is being done in Hungary and that is the work of the Peto Institute, which has given so very many handicapped children and their families new hope. It does the most remarkable work and we look forward to seeing the new International Peto Institute take shape.

But you will want something more from Western Europe in addition to practical help—that is a vision of the future of Europe from which no democratic European country is excluded and you referred to this, Prime Minister, in your own speech.

Association Agreements with the European Community are already on offer but you need the assurance as you indicated, Prime Minister, of more than that—the prospect of full membership in [end p3] due course of a European Community in which each country can preserve its traditions and its nationhood and I believe that offer should be openly and generously on the table.

I can understand your impatience to see changes in Europe's defence arrangements—it is very natural in the light of all that has happened—but we must do this at a measured pace, otherwise we may complicate the task of those who are strongest in their support for reform. We need to keep stability while these great events unfold, always working towards the objective of a Europe which is peaceful and democratic and governed by the rule of law.

In these difficult and sensitive times, the Hungarian people are fortunate to have a Prime Minister who will give them leadership and the vision to bring them through to the greater prosperity and the place in Europe which rightfully belongs to Hungary with its great history and the talents of its people.

One of Hungary's greatest figures, Lajos Kossuth, spoke at the Guildhall in the City of London in the middle of the last century and said this:

“The only principle which can be the basis for moral dignity, material welfare and the happiness of the world is the principle of freedom!”

That freedom is now advancing through all of Europe and the Soviet Union. Hungary has led the way and I am sure that under your leadership, Prime Minister, it will continue to do so in bringing the two parts of Europe together in a great alliance of democracy. [end p4]

Prime Minister, may I therefore propose a toast to your success, to a peaceful and prosperous future of the people of Hungary in a reunited Europe and to the continued friendship between our two nations. Prime Minister, your health and success—and to Hungary! (applause)