871.00/6–446: Telegram
The Representative in Rumania (Berry) to the Secretary of State
urgent
[Received June 6—10:45 a.m.]
570. Mytel 564, June 3.83 The Rumanian reply leaves much to be desired. On scrutiny it is nothing more than a weak defensive document filled with sophistries and second rate falsehoods. Although designed to give appearance of above board playing, through furnishing answer to points we raised, it really shows, as Department knows from Mission’s despatches and telegrams since January, Government’s lack of integrity. Brief comment follows by subjects.
Elections. No date is still set for elections, and no date even set for consideration by Government of electoral law.
Liberties. Note says opposition parties have 16 newspapers. That depends upon definitions of opposition. The fact remains that Maniu’s National Peasants have one daily paper published in Bucharest, and Bratianu’s National Liberals also have one daily. Neither have dailies published in provinces. Maniu’s Peasants publish six weeklies irregularly when newsprint is available in provinces, and Bratianu’s Liberals publish two weeklies. Prime Minister’s willingness on February 22 to give ear to complaints, hardly applies to conditions today. He did hold press conference on date mentioned, and when those present asked for more equitable distribution of newsprint and freedom to criticize Government on administrative question, said he would see when he could so [what he could do?] Published reports of this conference excluded this exchange. The excuse that censorship of statements of high American officials was necessary to prevent diffusion of polemics between the Allies breaks down under extensive Rumanian press coverage given Foreign Minister Molotov’s interview to Pravda of May 27. Russian official statements are highly publicized while Americans’ are suppressed or played down. Most recent example, no Rumanian paper has as yet published our note of May 27.
Radio. On this point Groza is simply renewing [reneging?] upon his promise.
Violence. From information available here and in Department, Government bears chief responsibility for present wave of political violence, despite note’s allegation to contrary.
November 8 arrests. As all November 8 arrests were made on political [Page 599] basis, Groza is now abandoning promise made to Allied Commission.
Cabinet collaboration. Here Government is on strongest grounds, as the Ministers, on joining Cabinet did say the implementation of Moscow agreement was chief task of Government and that they could not be responsible for Government’s administrative acts. Since then they have shown desire to collaborate but have not been met halfway. As reported, they were not consulted on budget law, indeed seldom are important matters discussed at rare Cabinet meetings. I understand Liberal representative is currently protesting nondiscussion of British and American notes by Cabinet.
Distorted foreign impression of Rumania. This is a well worn statement originally produced in Moscow, but now manufactured under license by Soviet satellite governments. Statement that public security comes before Moscow agreement is attempt to justify Government’s course.
I understand that my British colleague has recommended to his Government that it declare Rumanian note unsatisfactory. It certainly is that. I suppose Department will wish to consult with British Government in order to coordinate action here. I suggest we do reply to note, saying it is not satisfactory, and United States is reserving its attitude.
Sent Dept 570, repeated Moscow as 93.