740.00119 E.W. 1939/9–444: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:40 p.m.]
3294. At a meeting with the Russians today, Clark Kerr presented his Government’s comments on the Soviet draft of armistice terms for Rumania.16 I understand you have received these comments from the British Embassy.17 I explained that I had not yet received comment from my Government on the Soviet draft and that such comments as I made would be based on previous instructions. I reserved the right to reopen any question after receipt of further instructions from my Government.
Molotov agreed to the British proposal that a Soviet general be authorized to sign for the three principal Allies acting on behalf of the United Nations.
Molotov proposed an alteration in the Soviet text substituting “Hungary” for “her satellites” in article I and where “her satellites” appears in other articles, Molotov desires to define “satellites” to mean countries with which all of the three Allies [are] at war.
Molotov accepted the additional provision proposed by the British in article I.
In article IV, the Soviets contended that the British proposed changes in “A” were not necessary and that the language as now drawn would, of course, be interpreted in the manner the British Government indicated.
The Soviets accepted the British amendment “B” to article IV.
The British amendment to article V was accepted.
[Page 219]Molotov contended that the British amendments to article VI were not needed as the Soviet draft clearly referred only to war material and not to another enemy property.
Molotov agreed to give consideration to British proposed amendment “A” to article VII and to reply later. He accepted proposal “B” to article VII.
Molotov stated that the Control Commission had authority to deal with the British comment on article VIII.
As to article IX, Molotov insisted that the amount of reparation the Soviets were asking was extremely modest and that it was necessary in order to satisfy Russian opinion that the armistice terms fix the amount to be paid the Soviet Union for war damage. He agreed, however, to an additional provision to the effect that Rumania should undertake to indemnify other United Nations for war damage to their property in Rumania, this amount to be determined at a later date. As Molotov stated, the Soviet Government considered fixing a definite sum to be paid the Soviet Union as one of the most important provisions of the armistice; it is clear that the Soviets will not change their position. Since they have now agreed to provision for reparations to other United Nations, I recommend that we concur.
Molotov told the British Ambassador that article X referred only to identifiable objects.
The British redraft of article XI was accepted by the Soviets with the addition of the words “legal pre-war” before the word “rights”.
Molotov declined to agree to the British suggested changes in article XII, contending that the Soviet text gave the Allies ample power and that he believed the British language would unnecessarily alarm the Rumanians. If detailed arrangements were necessary, they could be dealt with in a protocol.
Molotov declined to accept the British proposed amendments to article XV as he considered them unnecessary and that reference to missions other than the Control Commission was confusing, and that during the period of military operations, other missions were undesirable. He said, however, that if the British and we insisted, he would agree against his better judgment to the inclusion of reference to “the reestablishment of peace and security.”
Molotov declined to accept the British addition to article XVI contending that there was ample power in other provisions to cover this point and believing that it was unwise to refer constantly to expenses to be borne by Rumania.
On the British point “B” to article XVI, Molotov agreed that the powers of the Allied (Soviet) High Command would be exercised through the Allied Control Commission.
Molotov agreed subject to confirmation by his Government to the substitution for article XVII of a separate declaration in accordance [Page 220] with the British text. I explained that my Government would prefer to substitute for the phrase “subject to confirmation at the peace settlement” the phrase “but the definite disposition of this territory shall be deferred to the general peace settlement[”].
Molotov said that these words had been proposed by Churchill and that if Churchill agreed to the substitution he saw no objection as he considered it was a question of drafting and not of substance. Clark Kerr said he would take this matter up with his Government. The Department may wish urgently to press the British Government to agree.
As to article XVIII, Molotov agreed that changes should be made to conform to the new preamble and that unless the Rumanians objected, the Russian and English texts should be the only authentic ones.
As to the additional British comments, Molotov agreed to “A” by inserting in article I the words “for the purpose of reestablishing the independence and sovereignty of Rumania” before the words “for which purpose she provides”. Molotov contended that comments “B” and “E” were clearly covered by other articles and the comments “C” and “D” were not necessary.
As to “F”, Molotov stated that the Soviet Government preferred not to become involved in reference to Japan but had no objection to the British Ambassador and myself reaching an understanding with the Rumanian delegates that Rumania should sever relations with Japan.
Molotov pressed for a final meeting with us on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning and presentation of the terms to the Rumanians Wednesday evening.
In view of the need for prompt action and the difficulty of triangular clearance, I hope that when I receive instructions as to any further amendments it will be made clear which ones I should insist upon and which are left to my discretion.