Office of the Historian

871.00/8–2545: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Acting American Representative in Rumania (Melbourne)

Washington, August 25, 1945—4 p.m.

457. Urtel 567 Aug 20. If you have not already done so, you may inform King that his note appealing for assistance of three Allied Govts with view to formation of a Rumanian Govt which might be recognized by them has been received and that the US Govt is in communication with the Soviet and UK Govts on the subject.

Principal concern of US Govt at present juncture is, as you know, to keep the road open to a solution of Rumanian political crisis which will be acceptable to all three Allied Govts. We hope no action will be taken which might seem to give ground for Soviet suspicion that crisis was brought about by “Anglo-American intervention”. Contact with Rumanian political leaders should be avoided at present stage.

In this connection we do not think that any advice or assurances should be given to the King regarding his present difficult position vis-à-vis Groza and Soviet officials or regarding contingencies which may arise with respect to his political future or personal position (Schuyler’s M–1462 Aug 2260a), though you may apprise him of this Govt’s hope that measures which might further provoke Soviet officials will be avoided. On question of asylum, instructions contained in Deptel 86 Feb 23 remain applicable. (Your tel 583 Aug 2261).

[Page 595]

Brit Govt has expressed willingness to consult with US and Soviet Govts on questions raised by King’s appeal at any place selected. Reply of Soviet Govt to our note (Moscow’s 3021 Aug 23 to Dept rpted to you as 11862) not yet reed, though Soviet reply to King (your 588 Aug 2363) gives indication of its probable content.

Sent to Bucharest, repeated to Moscow and London.64

Byrnes
  1. See footnote 45, p. 581.↩
  2. Not printed; it asked the Department to see telegram M–1468, from General Schuyler to the War Department, p. 592.↩
  3. Not printed; it reported that the message sent by the Department for delivery to the Soviet Foreign Commissariat (see telegram 7108, August 21, to London, also sent to Moscow as 1882, p. 581) had been urgently transmitted to Foreign Commissar Molotov (871.00/8–2345).↩
  4. Not printed.↩
  5. Repeated to Moscow and London as telegrams 1914 and 7291, respectively.↩