On 6 June 2012, in an honours ceremony at the elegant Athenaeum Club, Ambassador János Csák presented Mr Paul Johnson, English historian, with the Commander’s Cross with Star Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary. Following the changes in political systems, the distinguished conservative thinker did much to ensure that Central Europe was once again seen as part of Western civilization. Throughout his working life he has consistently stood out against both the Nazi and the Communist forms of dictatorship. Among those present at the ceremony were Lord George Weidenfeld and Lord Rodney Leach (members of the House of Lords), Charles Moore (former editor in chief and now leader writer of the Daily Telegraph), George Walden MP (former Minister of Education) and Luke Johnson (correspondent for the Financial Times).

Mr Johnson’s son Daniel Johnson spoke in reply. His speech can be read here.

Pictures of the reception can be seen here