740.0011 EW 1939/8–2544: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 25—7:05 a.m.]
3148. Statement of the People’s Commissariat of Foreign Affairs.
In connection with the events in Rumania the Soviet Government deems it necessary to confirm its statement made in April 194485 that the Soviet Government has no intention [to] acquire any part of Rumanian territory or to change the existing social structure in Rumania or to infringe in any way upon the independence of Rumania. On the contrary the Soviet Government considers it necessary to establish, together with the Rumanian people, the independence of Rumania by freeing Rumania from the Fascist yoke.
The Soviet High Command believes if the Rumanian armies cease military action against the Red Army and if they join arm in arm with the Red Army in carrying on the war of liberation against the Germans for the freedom of Rumania or against the Hungarians for the liberation of Transylvania the Red Army will not disarm them, will let them keep all their arms and will fully aid them in fulfilling this honorable task.
However the Red Army will be able to terminate hostilities on [Page 194] Rumanian territory only after the German armies in Rumania are liquidated. These have been the leaders in the enslavement and oppression of the Rumanian people.
Aid of the Rumanian armies to the Red Army troops in the liquidation of the German armies is the only means of quickly ceasing hostilities on Rumanian territory and for concluding an armistice with the Allied coalition by Rumania.