740.0011 European War 1939/4284: Telegram
The Minister in Rumania (Gunther) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:40 p.m.]
321. General mobilization was ordered last night at midnight although some classes had already been called on the night of June 26. Certain categories of Government employees, railway men and others in essential industries have been [called up?]. I am reliably informed that this has been taken as a precautionary measure against possible Russian incursions beyond the time agreed upon and in order more easily to control the population in internal matters. The Government’s decision to accede to Russia’s demands came as a great shock to the people who have been filled for 20 years with strong words against territorial cession of any kind and Rumania’s ability and willingness to defend her soil at all costs. Coming closely upon the French defeat57 and the sudden swing of the Government into a pro-German political party,58 it has disturbed the public calm and there is reason to believe that dissident groups in the country may endeavor to take advantage of this situation for their own ends. There is much feeling expressed against England as the instigator of this Russian move in order to involve Germany and Russia. A high official of the German Legation expressed the opinion this morning that England had “put over a fast one” on Germany and it is probable that whatever the truth of this theory may be the story is being circulated here by the Germans to break further pro-Ally sympathy. The same German official stated that his Government was greatly annoyed by Russia’s action and that “Hitler will never forget.”
[Page 486]Rumors persist here of a Russian ultimatum to Hungary for sub-Carpathian Russia59 and to Bulgaria for naval and air bases but it is the opinion of my Yugoslav colleague that these are being adroitly spread by Government agents in an attempt to remove from the people the sting of Rumania’s action by showing that her neighbors are threatened.
Alarming stories are also current and may be repeated in the American press that Hungary and Bulgaria have made demands on Rumania but I am informed officially that no such action has been taken on either side.
The Russian occupation of the ceded territory is taking place in advance of schedule in some instances and there appears to be great confusion. Some minor incidents have been reported as the troops advance. Refugees are streaming out into other provinces but there is much difficulty in rail transportation as the Russians are endeavoring to prevent trains from going beyond the new Russian zone.
- France signed an armistice with Germany on June 22, 1940, and with Italy on June 24, 1940. For additional material on the German invasion and the collapse of France, see pp. 217 ff.↩
- A hasty reorganization of the Tatarescu Cabinet took place on June 28, 1940, with the inclusion of several pro-German Ministers. This Cabinet was replaced on July 4, 1940, by another, with Ion Gigurtu as Prime Minister, which was strongly pro-German.↩
- Ruthenia, Carpatho-Ukraine.↩