800.51 W 89Rumania/48: Telegram
The Minister in Rumania (Jay) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:08 p.m.]
10. Department’s No. 6, February 16, 3 p.m. Legations here except British do not appear to take much interest in question, as it was British Government which not only took the initiative but conducted [Page 166] the negotiations presumably because their claims come to more than $11,000,000, as against a total of about $190,000 for all other countries. Local press has published nothing on subject, and I have received impression confirmed by commercial attaché’s unsuccessful efforts to obtain information that British Legation is not anxious to enlighten us on the matter, but tomorrow I expect to see British Minister personally. I have, however, seen copies of notes to the Rumanian Government on the subject. The Swiss Minister stated that his Government took comparatively little interest in matter from smallness of amount involved, and was unaware that definite settlement had been reached until I informed him.
In an informal conversation this morning with Minister for Foreign Affairs he professed unfamiliarity with the question. I expressed very frankly my fear that unfortunate impression would be created in United States by this preferential treatment. He seemed to realize this fully and said he would have matter looked into and would give me full information in a very few days. As Finance Minister has undoubtedly handled whole matter I presume he must be consulted.
I see no reason at present why the United States should not press vigorously for a settlement but I prefer postponing a definite expression of opinion until I shall have heard further from the Minister for Foreign Affairs.