871.6363/11–3044: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser, Allied Force Headquarters (Kirk), to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:51 p.m.]
1559. Reference Bucharest 22 of November 23, 6 p.m. General Schuyler has informed Joint Chiefs of Staff that General Manager of Romano-Americana Oil Co. has reported that on November 26 [Page 272] Russians began to remove quantities of tubing and casting from the premises of the Romano-Americana Oil Co. This was verified by an investigation and the General Manager estimates that 980,000 kilograms were removed yesterday and is continuing today for shipment by rail.
Schuyler consulted with Berry and at their first meeting yesterday protested strongly to General Vinogradov. Vingradov was reminded of previous protests by United States Government against removal of American-owned property and was specifically requested to have (1) Russians return everything which has been removed from American premises, for holding until agreement is reached by Washington and Moscow and (2) that further actions by Russians cease immediately.
Vinogradov stated the position of Russians in almost same manner as was done previously by Vishinsky to Berry. He especially emphasized that the equipment removed had German markings and was obtained during the war in Germany and stored temporarily in Rumania with the intention of using it in Russian oil fields when they were captured. He stated that it was considered as legal war booty by Moscow.
Schuyler told Vinogradov he intended to report this to the officials in Washington and Moscow and said he hoped he could report Vinogradov’s agreement to suspend further action and hold equipment where it is under joint observation until instructions were received from their respective Governments. Vinogradov replied that he would report to Moscow and inform Schuyler of his answer, but was emphatic that no moves to halt the procedure were now possible. He made the statement that only surplus materials beyond the need for next year’s operations were removed. Schuyler questioned this but remarked that main concern was removal of American property from United States-owned company without the United States Government being informed. Berry has been trying to see Vishinsky but has been informed that this is impossible for some time.
Schuyler stated that he believes neither he nor Berry can make any progress with Russians in Bucharest and that only results can be obtained by reference directly to Moscow.
Sent Department, repeated to Moscow as 152.