740.0011 European War 1939/4226: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:45 p.m.]
757. I inquired of the Rumanian Minister last evening with respect to the accuracy of current rumors regarding clashes on the Rumanian-Soviet frontier and alleged Rumanian-Soviet negotiations for transfer of Bessarabia to the Soviet Union.
Mr. Davidescu stated with respect to the first rumor that no clashes have recently occurred on the Soviet-Rumanian frontier. He added, however, that for some time past Soviet military planes have been flying over Bessarabian territory, obviously for the purpose of conducting an aerial survey, and that he is considering the advisability of protesting against such activities to Molotov. With respect to the second report he said that he is certain that no such negotiations are under way and remarked that if the subject of the transfer of Bessarabia should be broached by the Soviet Government, the Rumanian Government would refuse to discuss it.