871.00/6–146: Telegram

The Representative in Rumania (Berry) to the Secretary of State

secret
us urgent

559. At King Michael’s request I called at his country place yesterday afternoon. His principal purpose was to inform me of recent political developments, but as all he said I have reported, there is no point in repeating.

Additionally the King gave me full story of background of recent award to Groza with extraordinary accompanying citation. (See mytel 533, May 28.78) The King said that Tolbukin,79 Susaikov and other Soviet officials exhibited annoyance at spontaneous demonstration occurring immediately following May 10 parade.80 Susaikov at time suggested to King that he do something to show his displeasure [Page 597] of this action by “disorderly elements”. (See mytel 488, May 1081). The subject reoccurred occasionally in conversation during next few days but did not take concrete form until Tatarescu suggested that high decoration be awarded Groza because Soviets so wished. No action was taken until Major Skoda, General Susaikov’s aide, telephoned General Niculescu, King’s aide, that on following day Justice Minister Patrascanu would call at Palace for King to approve draft citation to accompany decoration for Groza. Major Skoda added that this was outgrowth of Susaikov’s suggestion to King on May 10. Citation was so wholly unacceptable that King refused to accept, and as suggestion for decoration came from Tatarescu, he told latter would give decoration but unwilling to sign citation. Tatarescu agreed to secure Russian acceptance, but on following day telephoned Marshal Negel82 that citation must be made as Soviets would accept nothing less to assuage their anger for events of May 10. This attitude was confirmed by telephone conversation from Major Skoda to General Niculescu.

King still refused but was persuaded on eve of scheduled ceremony, after conference with Tatarescu and Patrascanu. In conference allusions were made to Govt’s desire to prolong war criminal law and increasing political violence throughout the country of which likely culmination would be arrest of Maniu and Bratianu and elimination of their parties. The King was given to understand that these things would come about unless he stopped them by meeting Soviet desire in signing citation. He was told if he did sign, the war criminal law would not be indefinitely prolonged, political violence would subside and arrested would be released.

Queen Mother interrupted to say several people had come to Palace to urge King not to sign citation saying his popularity would wane thereby. She said that although King by signing would be accused of weakness by those who did not know, [she?] thought he had shown character because he said a monarch, different from movie star, must not gauge public action by popularity of action but must act in interest of his country. In present case, loss of some popularity was small price to pay for reduction of political violence and keeping historical parties in field for coming elections.

Although it is true that King has been generally criticized for this action as his first mistake since coup d’état of 1944, yet in view of this first case of Soviet pressure this year I think that he made wise decision, particularly if it later becomes evident that Govt keeps its part of bargain.

Berry
  1. Not printed; it reported that while American and British notes were being presented to the Rumanian Foreign Office on May 27, King Michael, at an elaborate official ceremony in Constantza, was giving Prime Minister Groza a high Rumanian decoration (871.00/5–2846).
  2. Marshal Fedor Ivanovich Tolbukhin, Chairman of the Allied Control Commission for Rumania and commander of Soviet troops in southeastern Europe.
  3. At the May 10 Rumanian Independence Day parade, there had been a large-scale outburst of cheering for King Michael.
  4. Not printed.
  5. Prince Dimitrie Negel, Marshal of the Court.