Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, Eastern Europe, The Soviet Union, Volume VI

871.00/11–2246: Telegram

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

secret
us urgent

Washington, November 26, 1946—6 p.m.

745. Reurtel 1097, Nov 22. Text of Dept’s press release on Rum elections issued today⁵² and carried by Voice of America is being transmitted next following tel. You may inform King of this statement US Govt’s views re those elections if it has not already come to his attention.

As further step Dept is considering sending notes to Sov and Brit Govts substantially as follows: 1) our reports concerning conduct Rum elections indicate flagrant abuses despite our previous expressions of apprehension to Rum Govt and receipt of reiterated assurances by that Govt. Evidently Groza govt was unable or not disposed abide by assurances. 2) consequently, US Govt cannot consider that Rum Govt has fulfilled promises given three powers in implementation Moscow decisions nor regard election results as reflecting free and unfettered expression will of Rum people. 3) Hence, US Govt conscious of obligations assumed at Yalta in light subsequent tripartite agreements, urges Sov and Brit Govts concert with US to formulate joint steps re Rum situation particularly with view to holding of new elections without delay under conditions ensuring in fact implementation guarantees given by Rum Govt. 4) US Govt will appreciate early response and suggests proposed consultations take place in Moscow between US and UK ambassadors and appropriate rep of Sov Govt.

We have informed Brit Emb here informally with request Emb ascertain FonOff views in matter. If Brit agree we would contemplate transmitting notes immediately and publishing contents.⁵³

While we cannot assume responsibility advising King as to course he should pursue, we have no objection your acquainting him our thinking along foregoing lines if you consider desirable.

Sent Bucharest; repeated Moscow and London.

Acheson

52. Department of State Bulletin, December 8, 1946, p. 1057.
53. Telegram 754, November 30, to Bucharest, repeated to Moscow and London, stated that the Department had been informed that the British Foreign Office did not favor the proposal set forth in this telegram on the grounds that (1) it would achieve no practical effect and (2) it would result in a probable Soviet response which would only augment the impression of American-British impotence (871.00/11–2246).