DIPLOMACY: Return of an Ancient Symbol

A legendary Hungarian treasure stirs passions in the U.S.

It's a kick in the teeth to the Hungarian people," charged Ohio Democratic Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar. "It's a great blunder committed by President Carter," protested Polish-Hungarian World Federation President Karol Ripa. These—and worse—outcries, along with demonstrations at the White House gates, were raised again last week by Hungarian-Americans at Carter's decision to return the Crown of St. Stephen to Budapest. The legendary symbol of Hungarian nationhood, the priceless gold crown is fitted with rubies, and displays exquisitely detailed enamel portraits. Scholars...

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