László Gulyás: The Issue of the Hungarian–Slovak Border at the Versailles Peace Conference (Part 2)
Discussions on the Czechoslovak Territorial Claims
At the Versailles Conference the Supreme Council established a committee for the examination of Czechoslovak territorial claims. During the discussion of the Czechoslovak territorial claims a very sharp debate emerged concerning the Czechoslovak-Hungarian border, mainly in connection to the Csallóköz. Beneš referring to the situation of railway lines and the importance of the Duna pier intended to define the border of the two countries more to the south from the present border. Although the final declaration of the decision was strongly hindered by the Béla Kun-like take-over in 21st March in Hungary.
The Béla Kun-like power take-over on 21st March 1919 enable another new opportunity for Beneš to oppose to the decision of the committee. The declaration of the Soviet Republic provided a perfect opportunity for the Czechoslovak politicians that under cover of the fight against Bolshevism to pull another new territories from Hungary. Beneš beside the diplomatic channels used his old well-proven gun, the press. The native political partners of Beneš reached again for the tool of fait accompli, on 20th March they passed a resolution that if it is necessary, the new demarkation line requested by them is to be occupied by gun. After the Romanians on 16th April began intervention against Hungary without any antant request, the Czechoslovak government decided that without French invitation, it starts the attack. Although at the territory of Salgótarján they faced sharp resistance. The Hungarian troops went into offensive, the so-called North Campaign of the Red Army was set in consequence of which the Czechoslovak units were forced back behind the demarkation line.
Despite the expectations Béla Kun’s government seemed to be ready for any discussions concerning a peaceful arrangement. Béla Kun’s answer cancelled the legal bases of a concentrated army attack. The Supreme Council on 12th June accepted the Czechoslovak-Hungarian borderline proposed by the Council of