Cardinal Mindszenty appealed to the American Legation in Budapest for refuge on November 4, 1956, when Soviet armed forces renewed their attack upon the Hungarian people. The decision to grant refuge to the Cardinal was taken by the United States Government on urgent humanitarian grounds at a time of foreign aggression against Hungary. It was clear in the circumstances of the renewed Soviet attack that Cardinal Mindszenty, who only a few days previously had been freed by the Government of Premier Imre Nagy from long confinement, faced certain death or imprisonment should he fall into the hands of Soviet-controlled Hungarian Communist forces...