Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Eastern Europe, Volume XXV

260. Telegram From the Legation in Romania to the Department of State¹

Bucharest, July 22, 1957—6 p.m.

56. At Belgian reception July 21 Politburo member Alexandru Moghioros (also Vice President Council of Ministers) sought me out, with Deputy Foreign Minister Lazareanu acting as interpreter, to express his pleasure at progress US-Rumania relations and asked me if I do not think things were going very well. I replied in negative stating I had seen no indication on part officials to grant any US requests in spite of fact US had consistently acquiesced in everything Rumanians had sought. I said that co-existence could not be one-way street, there must be some give as well as take, and that Rumanian officials who always stressed reciprocity must practice what they preach. Moghioros quickly replied that reverse was true and Rumanians had given more than they had received. He asked me what US had given to Rumanians. I listed (1) visit Rumanian agricultural group in 1956 resulting in hybrid corn, modern US agricultural machinery; (2) visit Rumanian chemists resulting in successful purchase acrilon factory; (3) visit election observers; (4) agreeing to establishment Economic Counselor; (5) offers of opportunities for innumerable cultural exchanges. Moghioros countered with statement that everything Rumanians had received they had paid well for. I emphasized payment was to individuals and asked him what requests of US Rumanians had granted. After long discussion with Lazareanu on side, Moghioros lamely came up with permission for my use USAF plane. I emphasized this normal courtesy afforded all diplomats all countries and personal courtesies should not be considered in discussion reciprocity of substantive requests by governments.

Moghioros said US just as interested in expanding commerce as Rumania and US had gained by commercial transactions. I denied this pointing out foreign trade very small part US commerce and US not interested in Rumanian products although it was interested in assisting Rumanian people but I was disturbed find harvest American hybrid corn going elsewhere than to people.

Moghioros said Rumanian people had long history oppression starting with Greeks, Romans, Turks and were exploited most under capitalistic businessmen and land-owners in early part 20th century. In last ten years people finally set free and were making extraordinary strides in development. I replied I was convinced Rumanian people were being exploited today by Communists in far worse fashion than they had ever been exploited before by foreign people or by selfish industrialists and land-owners. Moghioros said this untrue and proof their present release from exploitation found in enthusiasm Rumanian people everywhere for building Socialist state. I suggested Moghioros disguise himself and travel around country with me in order hear what people really felt about regime. He said disguise unnecessary but would take me to his own village where every person knew him and they would tell me how they felt.

Moghioros asked me what American requests had been refused. I said opening of reading room, publication of magazine and institution of program of information to Rumanians concerning America was one of several such requests. He said he saw no reason why these matters could not be negotiated and suggested they be taken up in detail with Foreign Office. However, he said VOA violent attacks against Rumania were continuing. I countered that false accusations and lies contained in press articles against America far worse than any broadcast ever could be. He said there was reason for this (see separate telegram.²) He realized that thing like radio was sponsored by small group powerful selfish men in US whose interest was only in profits arising out of waging war and who were constantly attempting bring about war and had power to do so. I said this was ridiculous fiction manufactured in Communist propaganda mill and believed by nobody. I emphasized there was no individual in US with as much personal power as Moghioros himself and [had] in Rumania. He said power in Rumania was with people, that Hitler had underestimated power of people and that imperialist groups in America also making same underestimation. I agreed dictators underestimated power of people and pointed out that in addition to Hitler, Stalin had also made same underestimation and so had Soviet puppets in Hungary.

Moghioros dodged Hungarian issue and returned to co-existence and peace asking why US had not accepted Soviet disarmament proposals.³ I replied his question was typical of all Communist attitudes on co-existence, namely, that co-existence consisted only in accepting all Communist proposals and turning down all others. I said this pointed out fact real difficulties between our two countries lay in difference between our definition of co-existence and reciprocity and theirs. Until we agreed on such definitions normal relationships would be difficult to attain. To his emphasis on desire of Rumanian government for peace I said desire for peace today no longer virtue about which one could boast. Since war means self-destruction everyone desires peace.

Moghioros finished discussion by stressing importance begin building friendly relations between our two countries. He said greatness of American people and power of American government should not make them overlook importance friendship with small country like Rumania which sincerely desires good relations. I said desire was reciprocated but good relations only possible if there was real reciprocity.

This conversation reported in detail since I believe it indicates formal beginning concentrated sweetness and light campaign by Rumanians. This first time since last year I have been deliberately sought out by only Rumanian Politburo representative present to praise conditions our relations and held in conversation for such long time. In spite my deliberate efforts at goading him Moghioros preserved friendly attitude throughout. My objective was lay firm foundation from which we can capitalize on this effort at détente by perhaps obtaining some of things we have been seeking.

Thayer

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.66/7–2257. Official Use Only.
2. Telegram 55 from Bucharest, July 22, reported a conversation with Moghioros in which he accused the United States of trying to destroy the Romanian harvest by “fire balloons.” (Ibid.)
3. Apparent reference to a Soviet aide-mémoire of June 7, summarized in telegram 6820 from London, June 7, vol. XX, p. 609.