File No. 871.51/110
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 7, 10.10 p.m.]
2323. Also for Secretary of the Treasury:
Allied Ambassadors conclude present status unalterable until result of peace negotiations determined, consequently no meeting of the Diplomatic Corps or Allied chiefs at present.
[Page 712]French Ambassador submitted cable from Paris suggesting joint protest by French, British, American Consuls, Moscow, against interference with 600,000,000 gold lei stored in the Kremlin by Rumania for safety and of which the Soviet government taken possession saying same held for Rumanian people but not for present Rumanian Government. French Foreign Office asks such action because says this gold pledged to Allies to secure advances to Rumania. Having no official advice on the subject I opportunely requested joint action. Furthermore gold was deposited in the Kremlin when Jassy threatened and before we made advances to Rumania. All finally concurred in submitting question to respective Governments and awaiting instructions. How much advance to Rumania?