740.00119 EW 1939/20361: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Hayes) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23—6:12 p.m.]
3769. I have talked to the First Secretary and to the courier mentioned in my 3671, December 14, 7 p.m. Latter confirms that Rumanian [Page 512] Government including Marshal Antonescu have decided unanimously on unconditional surrender to United States, Britain and Russia. Government’s attitude is that surrender can be made effective only when (1) Allied forces enter Balkans, or Turkey enters war. Immediately either development occurs Rumanian Government will at once send by plane to whatever place we may suggest officers with full powers to arrange details. If we prefer, Rumanian Government will send, in advance, a confidential communication containing its surrender to the Turkish Government with which it has a secret understanding.
Courier informs me he and First Secretary have arranged a secret code which may be used to transmit to him in Rumania any message we may care to send.