740.0011 European War 1939/3496: Telegram

The Chargé in the Soviet Union ( Thurston ) to the Secretary of State

619. Embassy’s telegram 564, May 20, 6 p.m. The Rumanian Minister called on me this morning to inquire whether I had made any representations to this Government designed to ascertain what position it would assume in the event that Italy entered the war. I informed him that I had not made any representations of that character.23

I asked the Minister if he still felt that there is no danger of an immediate Soviet move against Rumania. He replied that he has had no reason to change the opinion he has entertained for some time in this respect and that he does not fear such a move unless, as a result of Italian entry into the war or other developments affecting the Balkans, the Soviet Government should consider that an opportunity was afforded to acquire Bessarabia.

Thurston
  1. The Department, in telegram No. 311, June 6, 7 p.m., approved the answer given by the Chargé.