740.0011 European War, 1939/446: Telegram
The Ambassador in France ( Bullitt ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 20—2:38 p.m.]
2074. In connection with Ambassador Biddle’s telegram to you of September 19, 9 p.m. from Bucharest and my No. 2070, September 19, 8 p.m.,44 I have the following to report:
The Rumanian Government has stated to the French Government, according to Leger,45 that the German Government threatened the Rumanian Government that 30 German divisions would enter Rumania immediately if the officials of the Polish Government now in Rumania should be permitted to leave Rumania.
The French Government has been informed that the Rumanian Government has interned these officials. Both the French and British Governments have made vigorous protests through their Ministers in Bucharest.
The French Government considers the action of the Rumanian Government in submitting to this German threat, in view of the fact that Rumania is or was Poland’s ally, a monstrous example of cowardice and indecency. As Daladier46 said to me today, “it diminishes the stature of the entire human race”.
The French Government will continue to attempt to obtain the release of the Polish officials now in Rumania and will be grateful for any action that the Government of the United States may take in this regard.
I suggested to the President on the telephone that it might be possible to unite all the neutral Governments in a joint protest to the Rumanian Government against the breach of international law involved.
I should be grateful for exact information as to any action that our Government may have taken or may take.