871.00/9–345: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
7550. As the British Govt is aware Soviet Govt has not yet replied to this Govt’s suggestion for consultation under the Yalta declaration in respect of Rumania. We propose to address a note along the following lines to Moscow and hope the British Govt will be prepared to support this position. Early expression of its views would be appreciated.
“On August 23 in the light of the situation existing in Rumania the Govt of the U.S. proposed that the three Govts signatories of the Crimea Declaration on Liberated Europe consult together in regard to this situation in order, as provided by the Declaration, that they might concert their policies with a view to assisting Rumania to form an interim governmental authority broadly representative of all democratic elements in the population and pledged to the earliest possible establishment through free elections of a government responsive to the will of the people. Brit. Govt has agreed to such consultation. No reply has yet been received from Soviet Govt. Meanwhile the situation in Rumania has become more critical.
This Govt has been informed that, in order not to prejudice the decision of the three Allied Govts and in order to maintain the constitutional [Page 603] procedure the King has refrained from signing decrees presented to him by Mr. Groza who has refused the King’s request to resign.
This situation obviously requires a solution which will enable Rumania to restore the normal processes of government and administration. The problem of finding a solution is now of direct concern to the Allied Govts in view of the King’s appeal to them and in view of Rumania’s status under the Armistice concluded with them and as a nation to which the Crimea Declaration applies. It is apparent that the King and Mr. Groza are not in a position to take effective constitutional action to settle the matter without guidance from the Allied powers.
The problem arises therefore of stabilizing the situation in Rumania. In the opinion of this Govt there should be the least possible disturbance of the normal functions of govt and administration and there should be no prolongation of the deadlock between the King and Mr. Groza. It is accordingly suggested that the three Allied Govts support the King’s request for the resignation of Mr. Groza and recommend an arrangement whereby the latter could continue the routine business of administration as an interim regime refraining from legislative and administrative action of a fundamental character, pending the early formation of a Govt by constitutional processes.
US Govt would welcome early indication of Soviet Govts views on suggestions put forward above.”
Sent to London, rptd to Bucharest.84
- Repeated to Bucharest as telegram 472.↩