871.00/10–2946: Telegram
The Representative in Rumania (Berry) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 30—7:55 a.m.]
1013. No distribution except to SE. Dr. Filderman, President of Union of Rumanian Jews, called to give me copy of secret compact he had made with Govt, throwing support of his organization to Govt for elections, and receiving in return promise of Govt to perform certain acts specified in compact for rehabilitation of Jews in Rumania. Later, communiqué will be published stating Jewish community decided to support Govt in elections but reasons for support will remain secret. Dr. Filderman said Jewish vote would amount to about 2 percent of total vote.
Dr. Filderman admitted action was nothing short of capitulation in face of Govt pressure and an about-face of democratic attitude that he has maintained through 40 years. He said he regretted beyond words necessity of capitulation, particularly to this Govt which is most despotic and most undemocratic Rumania has ever had. Whereas all former govts had recognized rights of their adversaries, Groza govt recognized its adversaries only as enemies that must be destroyed. Dr. Filderman gave as his reasons for signing compact:
- (1)
- As number of Jewish notes [votes] will not affect one way or other results of elections he didn’t have right to sacrifice Jews or principle in view of lessening possibility of peaceful international solution [Page 645] of eastern European problem within next few months. He added, he was convinced Russia was not working for solution but on contrary for domination in this area—domination that would only be ended by war between western democrats and Russia;
- (2)
- If he had not gone along, Govt would have considered his group center of reaction and proceeded to destruction of community and violence towards members;
- (3)
- Soon after election Soviet Govt would deport thousands of Rumanian Jews to Siberia as it deported thousands from Bessarabia after acquiring that territory in 1941;
- (4)
- With Jews voting with Govt in elections there was hope Govt would keep some of its oft repeated promises to restore to Jews all that was taken from them during Antoneseu regime.