File No. 763.72119/1606
The Minister in Rumania (Vopicka) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 20, 7 a.m.]
72. In addition to the telegram of the Allied Ministers of yesterday, I beg to ask for instructions regarding the recognition by our Government of the union of Bessarabia [with] Rumania.1 The present Germanophile government of Rumania makes much of this annexation claiming that Rumania is larger than before, even with the loss of Dobruja, and is taking the credit for it although it has no right to it. The Germans in permitting this union advertise [obviously?] had in view a plan to make the Rumanians fight with them against the Bolsheviks. There are rumors being circulated here that the Germans have already made demands that the Rumanians send a few divisions of their soldiers to Ukrainia to protect the depots which the Rumanians have there and to help the Germans make order. However, I believe, together with my colleagues, that the King will never consent to send an army into Ukrainia for the purpose, and that Rumania at present will refuse to assist the Germans in their scheme in Ukrainia. Therefore it is very important that [how?] this union of Bessarabia [with] Rumania is treated by our Government and the Allies. Word came from Bucharest that peace will not be signed for thirty days. Russian officers here are displeased with the annexation of Bessarabia by Rumania.
- Note, dated May 7, in the margin of telegram: “Secretary decided to take no action.”↩