740.00119 E.W. 1939/9–844: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 10—1 p.m.]
1691. After calling to see me, the Rumanian Minister sent me a note dated September 7 which reads as follows in translation:
Mr. Ambassador: Since the conversation which I had the honor to have with you this morning I have received from my Government two telegrams as to the contents of which I desire to inform you.
1. My Government informs me on the basis of a communication received from our delegation in Moscow that the delay in the signature of the armistice is not being caused by the Soviet Government but by the British Government which states that it is under the obligation to consult the Dominions.
I have addressed a note on this subject to the British Ambassador to emphasize the serious inconveniences and the numerous dangers which result to Rumania by reason of this delay which is particularly unexpected as Great Britain had declared itself in accord with the armistice conditions formulated by the Soviet Government and previously accepted by Rumania.
2. My Government has advised me that the situation of the Rumanian fleet is very serious. The entire fleet has been disarmed. The same fate has already overtaken or will probably soon overtake the [Page 228] river fleet of Soulina with which the Rumanian military authorities have had no contact since the 2nd of September.
Please accept et cetera.
Repeated to Moscow.