740.0011 European War 1939/6083: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:30 p.m.]
1356. The Tass denial reported in my No. 1355, October 16, 7 p.m. confirms the information previously reported from confidential sources that the recent German moves in the Balkans and particularly in Rumania beginning with the guaranty of that country by Germany and Italy have been made without prior consultation with the Soviet Government. By stating publicly through the medium of the Tass denial that the recent German moves in Rumania have not been undertaken with Soviet consent it is probable that the Soviet Government desires to reaffirm the existence of Soviet interests in that area in anticipation of the discussions which the German Ambassador who returned yesterday is expected to have with the Soviet Government.