871.6363/253: Telegram
The Minister in Rumania (Jay) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6 p.m.]
80. Your telegram 51 of December 1. In discussing note the Minister of Foreign Affairs asked me to give him a written statement of my arguments to show to the Ministry of Industry.
As I consider it to our advantage to reply at the same time as the British do, although not in the same terms, I have delayed giving an answer, awaiting the receipt by the British Legation of the instructions which they expect.
My impression has been that personally the Minister of Foreign Affairs is anxious for a settlement but is opposed by the Ministry of Industry which has the support of the intractable Finance Minister, and impression was confirmed by my interview. My oral protests, however, may have taken effect as yesterday Minister of Industry most definitely informed Seidell, the Standard Oil Company’s representative in Europe here on tour of inspection, that their ten applications on file would be granted now and that their future applications for drilling on concessions received before the passage of the present law would also be granted. This is pleasing to our oil interests, but they as well as I are skeptical until the promises are carried out.57
- In despatch no. 731, March 11, 1925, the Minister in Rumania reported that the issue between the Romano-Americana and the Rumanian Government appeared to be definitely and satisfactorily settled (file no. 871.6363/265).↩