871.00/5–2248: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Romania
392. Reports appearing American press in recent weeks, especially Sulzberger’s1 despatch published NY Times May 30, that Sov Govt is pressing Rum Govt to induce in near future “voluntary” request for incorporation Rumania into USSR, to be followed in due course [Page 363] by other countries of Soviet sphere, have elicited concern in some quarters here.
While on balance Dept agrees your recent view (urtel 575, May 22)2 such development appears inconsistent with other current manifestations Sov policy and illogical as concerns advantage to USSR at this time, obvious consequences of Western powers being presented with fait accompli this regard are so serious as to merit close attention any significant indications such move being contemplated.
As it would appear necessary to set stage for “accession by Sovs to spontaneous demand by independent sovereign Rumania” for inclusion in USSR, some signs of advance build-up might be anticipated. We understand that at May 9 celebration in Bucharest demonstrators were heard calling for such incorporation corresponding to similar manifestations for Peopled Republic in month preceding its establishment.
Accordingly, Dept would appreciate Mission’s continuing observation and report of possible signs presaging such development.
Sent Bucharest 392, rptd Budapest 629, Sofia 393, Belgrade 324, Warsaw 388, Praha 873, Moscow 708, London 2369, Paris 2245.