871.63/12
The Minister in Rumania (Jay) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 28.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my telegram No. 60 of November 13, 3 P.M., and the Department’s telegram No. 44 of November 22, 4 P.M., in reply thereto, concerning the provisions of a new proposed mining law for Rumania.
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The British Legation informed the American Legation at that time that it was thought desirable that we be apprised of the British views and action in regard to this matter, in order that we might, if we saw fit, make a similar communication to the Rumanian Government. It was, therefore, thought wise by the Legation to submit this matter to the Department immediately by telegraph in the Legation’s telegram No. 60.
The Department’s reply was received November 23rd, and carefully studied together with the references mentioned in regard to the Mexican situation.
Thereupon the Legation discussed with the British the opportuneness and desirability of an immediate American protest to the Foreign Office on this matter. It was learned that the British Note had apparently made quite an impression upon the Rumanian Government, and that the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Tancrede Constantinesco, had spoken in a very reassuring manner to the British about the terms of the projected new mining law. It was [Page 599] thought by my British Colleague that it was not immediately necessary or desirable that the American Legation make a precautionary protest, until more information could be obtained as to the latest attitude of the Government, on the question of the new mining law. Up to the present moment the Legation has been unable to ascertain anything definite as to the projects of the Rumanian Government on this matter.
If the Legation receives information which would indicate the utility and desirability of an immediate protest against threatened measures of a nature serious enough to prejudice existing rights and interests of United States citizens, it will make promptly a protest in conformity with the full tenor of the Department’s Instructions in its telegram No. 44, reporting the action taken as well as the information upon which it may be based.
It is perhaps needless to mention that the Legation is keeping in constant touch with the representatives of the American oil interests in Rumania, and is prepared always to consider, and if proper, to act upon any suggestions they may make.
I have [etc.]