File No. 763.72/8677
The Rumanian Minister ( Angelesco ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 28.]
Mr. Secretary: My government directs me to inform your excellency that upon an agreement reached with the government of the Moldavian republic of Bessarabia and General Shcherbachev, commander in chief of the Russian army at the Rumanian front, it has placed Rumanian troops at the disposal of the aforesaid government.
The measure was taken in consequence of the progress lately made by anarchy in Bessarabia which severely threatened the revictualing and lines of communication of the armies at the Rumanian front.
But a few days ago armed bands arrested in the station at Kishinev Rumanian officers sent on parleys and going to Odessa [Page 708] on leave, insulted and robbed them and after detaining them a few hours sent them back to Jassy by force.
Another act of extreme gravity is the capturing by the revolutionists of trains carrying supplies for the Russian army at the Rumanian front.
In order to prevent a recurrence of such acts, which are likely to starve the army and drive it into disorderliness and plundering, the Rumanian Government in accord with the government of the Moldavian republic of Bessarabia and General Shcherbachev has placed its troops at the disposal of that government.
Be pleased to accept [etc.]