740.00119 EW 1939/8–3144: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:22 p.m.]
3250. Molotov received the British Ambassador and myself this evening and transmitted to us the Soviet draft of the Rumanian armistice terms. He informed us that two groups of Rumanians had arrived in Moscow and that three additional persons whom he believed to be secretarial personnel were en route through Odessa. The first group which was headed by the Rumanian Minister of Justice,1 arrived in Moscow on August 29. The second group consisted of Stirbey and Visoianu.
Molotov was careful to explain that the Russians had not yet met any of the Rumanian delegates but he proposed to receive them at 11:00 this evening to agree on procedure and to ascertain who is to conduct the negotiations for the Rumanians. In this connection he said that the Rumanian Minister in Ankara had informed Vinogradov2 that Stirbey and Visoianu are authorized to conduct the negotiations [Page 206] whereas Molotov had learned that the Minister of Justice considered himself as head of the delegation.
It was agreed that the British Ambassador and myself would study the Soviet draft and that we would meet with Molotov tomorrow to discuss it. For security reasons the translation of the text is being transmitted through the British Embassy in Washington.3 As Molotov emphasized the need for prompt agreement with the British and ourselves, I hope that I may receive your instructions urgently.
You will note that the terms provide for the return of Allied property rights in Rumania but not reparation whereas the Soviets obtain 20% of their claims for the damage resulting from the Rumanian invasion of Soviet territory.
Sent to Department, repeated to London as 159.