The UK and the Hungarian Uprising aftermath

After its brutal suppression by the Soviet Army, a large number of Hungarians, among them several hundred students, were given refuge in Britain. On our arrival we were received with compassion by the staff and students of universities and other higher education institutions. They opened their doors and offered us the chance to complete our studies in this country.

It was, however, the most generous contribution of the general public to the Lord Mayor's fund that enabled the universities to carry out this programme fully. We were taught English and allowed to enter courses, often without proof of our previous studies. More than 300 Hungarian students received their first degrees here and many of us were encouraged and supported in completing postgraduate studies.

As former Hungarian refugee students, on the anniversary of the revolution, we would like to take the opportunity to express our gratitude to the British people in general and to the universities and other institutions of higher education in particular for so wholeheartedly helping us. It is our hope that we have been able to repay some of the magnanimous support we received, during our working lives. ...

JÁNOS BRUCKNER,

LÓRÁNT CZIGÁNY,

[UCL] School of Slavonic & East European Studies ...

'The Times'