871.00/3–2547: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Representative in Rumania (Berry)
207. Brit Emb has informed Dept of suggestion by your Brit colleague1 that as measure counteract recent intensification Rum Govt’s persecution democratic elements reported urtel 252, Mar 252 and previous US and UK Reps Bucharest might approach Rum Govt and in making clear that they were acting on instructions point out that such action contrary guarantees provided Article III Treaty of Peace and that if persecution not discontinued it might be necessary for US and UK Govts to consider action similar to recent démarche in Hungary.3 Brit Rep feels formal demand for ACC investigation not advisable on basis information available to date particularly as we might have difficulty proving Soviet responsibility situation.
We doubt effectiveness suggested informal representations and inclined believe such action subject interpretation as evidence Western interest in democratic elements Rumania less than in similar forces other countries where we have taken forthright formal action. We are also dubious desirability formal protest at this time. Your comments will be appreciated.4
Sent Bucharest, rptd London.
- Adrian Holman, British Political Representative in Rumania.↩
- Not printed.↩
- For documentation regarding the efforts of the United States to assist in the maintenance of democratic institutions in Hungary, see pp. 260 ff.↩
- In telegram 278, April 4, from Bucharest, not printed, Representative Berry replied that he agreed with the views set forth in this telegram. Berry recommended, however, that publicity at home and in Rumania through the Voice of America be given to the Rumanian situation. Berry reported that the opposition leaders in Rumania were discouraged at the lack of American recognition of their current plight and felt that those persons already imprisoned by the Rumanian Government could only hope to be released as a result of a strong American démarche (871.00/4–447).↩