871.00/7–1346: Telegram
The Representative in Rumania (Berry) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 14—5:55 p.m.
707. Remytel 681, July 4 and 705, July 12 [11]. This afternoon Maniu asked to see King Mihai. Maniu said King should provoke constitutional crisis and break with Govt. He should make international scandal of situation thereby forcing America and England to take action even if it meant open Russian occupation of Rumania. Maniu said this was only way prevent fraudulent election with Communist legislature determining future destiny of country along Communist lines. King replied that if he followed Maniu’s advice it would mean the ending of chapter today whereas if he fought rear guard action there was always hope of story some day having happy ending.
Then Bratianu was received. He confirmed Maniu’s stand. Next came Groza then Tatarescu and finally Patrascanu. King asked Patrascanu for further concessions and received some. When he insisted on others Patrascanu said “If the Govt gives more it will be giving the nation to the historical parties—that it can never do. We have given all we can.” King then signed two decree laws.