871.6363/250: Telegram
The Minister in Rumania (Jay) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 21—12:27 a.m.]
79. Referring to the Legation’s number 74, November 8, 1 p.m.55 Minister of Foreign Affairs has replied by signed note briefly summarized as follows:
[Here follows a summary of note no. 59115, November 18, which is printed supra.]
Copy will go in pouch Saturday. British Legation has received absolutely identical reply which it is forwarded [sic] by pouch tomorrow to London requesting instructions.
British Minister and I, as well as our respective oil interests, consider reply evasive and unsatisfactory. Suggestion in paragraph 455a appears ridiculous as oil interests have repeatedly applied to competent authorities without obtaining satisfaction and often even reply.
As Minister of Foreign Affairs left today for three-day official visit Transylvania I have been unable to see him but will discuss matter on his return.
[Paraphrase.] My British colleague and I believe that the note was drafted by the Ministers of Finance and Industry and that the Minister of Foreign Affairs softened it. I have attempted to stiffen the attitude of my British colleague and have suggested that to gain force we obtain authority to reply simultaneously. [End paraphrase.]