740.00119 European War 1939/2448: Telegram

The Ambassador to the Yugoslav Government in Exile ( MacVeagh ) to the Secretary of State

Yugos 83. After receiving a delayed further inquiry from Rumania with regard to Soviet armistice conditions, Prince Stirbei yesterday interviewed Soviet Ambassador.

In reply the latter stated that an armistice is impracticable so long as German armies are fighting in Rumania intermingled with Rumanian troops; and that immediate solution is the one indicated by Allies in the message containing the Soviet proposals (as quoted in my Yugos 70, March 27, 7 p.m.). Novikov added that a week has passed without a reply or acknowledgment to the offer which establishes de facto co-belligerency and that the situation demands a firm and urgent reply before negotiations can be resumed.

The substance of the above was sent from Prince Stirbei to Mihai Antonescu via Ankara and to Maniu direct.

MacVeagh