File No. 763.72/8871
The Ambassador in France ( Sharp) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 16, 2.22 a.m.]
Joint telegram from the ministers of the United States, France, Great Britain, and Italy from Jassy, undated:
General Averesco having asked the German Command for a delay so as to constitute [his] Cabinet, Mackensen replied expressing the hope that the result would be obtained in 48 hours. He added that he presumed that the Ministry would comprise no person notoriously hostile to the Central Empires, nor any member of the Bratiano Cabinet. The insolence of this reply has caused considerable emotion. The King has given the order that when announcing to the commander in chief the immediate sending of delegates, the Roumanian chief of staff shall declare that negotiations cannot be opened unless both parties are inspired with the principles in force among independent states. Germany’s attitude foretells demands far from compatible with the dignity of a country even reduced to the extremity in which Roumania finds herself. The result may be a situation which will permit the taking advantage of such military events as are favorable to the Entente to produce a complete change of public opinion.