The Return of the Holy Crown in 1978 and Its Protection by the Police

Abstract

Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States, decided to give back the crown of St. Stephen to the people of Hungary. The Hungarian regime ordered the Hungarian Police to secure the National Museum, where the Holy Crown was to be exhibited. According to the plan accepted on 5th of January in 1978 33 policemen took part in the operation. The Regime also decided to hire civilian armed guards. The 37 vigilantes were trained by the Hungarian Police. The Regime also used secret police to avoid any political operation by the visitors, which turned out to be unnecessary. Later the Hungarian police forces were withdrawn. They just inspected the work of the vigilantes.