Office of the Historian

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

Bucharest, November 20, 1955—9 a.m.

149. Pursuant my request for courtesy visit I was received November 19 by Prime Minister with Foreign Minister alone present. Conversation of over hour cordial and friendly throughout. Chivu Stoica expressed his general pleasure in Secretary State and President Eisenhower statements on Geneva2 which I was able report and of which they ignorant, although carried on early morning BBC English-language broadcasts. Frank discussion held on all US-Rumanian problems: following general comments by Prime Minister:

1.
US-Rumanian relations should be reviewed as whole and close relationships developed on definite reciprocal basis. Success this development will have important bearing on solution specific problems such as release American citizens and reopening information center.
2.
Rumania needs very badly to purchase machinery, particularly agricultural and that for chemical industry. Industrialization of country proceeding rapidly and effectively—this definite. No raw materials needed, but US can make important contribution in trade.
3.
Rumania anxious increase tourism. Scenery, sights, climate and bathing beaches can and should attract American tourists. Negotiations desirable this subject.
4.
Rumania is independent country handling own affairs in own way. Fact it believes USSR can assist it in many ways economically and politically is no reason country should always be identified in US mind as appendage USSR.

Specifically Prime Minister remarked on reopening information center. That problem being carefully examined. Rumania very anxious have close cultural relations with US and exchange artists, scientists but methods to be employed must be viewed in light status general US-Rumanian relations and problem solved on reciprocal basis. For Prime Minister comments Garst case and American citizens see Legtel 148.3

Thayer
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.66/11–2055. Confidential; Priority.↩
  2. Reference is to Dulles’ radio and television address to the nation, November 18, reporting on the Geneva Foreign Ministers Meeting, October 27–November 16. Dulles’ address included a verbatim statement by President Eisenhower. For text, see Department of State Bulletin, November 28, 1955, pp. 867–872.↩
  3. Dated November 19, not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 032/11–1955)↩