File No. 701.7161/7
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 4, 10.27 a.m.]
2300. Rumanian Minister received notice 3 o’clock yesterday to leave within ten hours. He sent his secretary to the Foreign Office requesting twelve hours’ extension because Legation numbered about hundred and because of difficulty in packing and procuring transportation to station. Secretary was told must observe order or [Page 709] abide consequences whereupon Rumanian Minister asked my intercession. I telephoned Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister being absent, and was asked to come to Foreign Office by Zalkind, assistant secretary of Minister. Called Robins who cheerfully went and reported after 11 that Zalkind demanded compliance with order. Having learned Legation had gone station, I went there myself and found that Minister had special train which left 1 o’clock for Torneå without guard other than fifteen Rumanian soldiers. Minister told me communication with Jassy severed and was unacquainted with conditions in Rumania. What is the situation there?