From A Diplomatic Correspondent ROME, Tuesday UNOFFICIAL Vatican sources deny that the Pope has sent Cardinal Koenig to Budapest on a mission to bring Cardinal Mindszenty out. But they allow that the Viennese Cardinal would presumably be ready to communicate the Pope's wishes in the matter to the Hungarian Primate.
These wishes might be made known to Cardinal Koenig, if it were certain that the visit was being allowed But this is pure speculation.
It is, however, generally recognised that Cardinal Mindzscnty's presence in the U.S. Legation in Budapest is an embarrassment to both sides. From the Hungarian Communists' point of view, he is a living symbol of the 1956 uprising against the regime. From the American point of view, it is not U.S. policy to give sanctuary in embassies and legations to those seeking political asylum.
Moreover, reports suggest that there is something of a "state of nerves" inside the U.S. Legation in Budapest.
For over a year the Communists have been indicating their willingness to discuss the position of Cardinal Mindszenty with the Holy See, as part of general negotiations to improve relations. The Italian Communist paper L'Unita quotes reports from Yugoslav sources that negotiations have actually been going on for some time, and have recently attained "a very favourable state of affairs."