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

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

Bucharest, December 1, 1955—3 p.m.

165. At Yugoslavian National Day party I had long conversation with Gheorghiu-Dej.² Prime Minister Chivu Stoica and Chisinevschi were present with Foreign Minister Preoteasa joining us at end but Dej alone spoke. Conversation, which covered Rumanian-US relations in general, was blunt and frank but cordial and friendly throughout. Theme stressed by Dej was build-up close personal, cultural and economic relations, which was official Rumanian slogan with all Western diplomats during evening.

Dej voiced strong objections to parachuting self-confessed US agents into Rumania. He characterized practice as infantile and noted they were always caught and always would be. I said I had no knowledge such operations and observed so-called confessions pretty much discredited today. He also complained of treatment of Rumanian minister and staff in Washington—travel restrictions, security surveillance, etc. I pointed out similar absurd regulations governing diplomats here and suggested we now begin destroy pyramid retaliatory measures which built up in past, in order have foundation for sensible, mature relations. Dej agreed heartily and claimed Rumanians had already started by giving visas to Garst and Schutz. I emphasized this could not be considered plus on Rumanian side ledger, since Rumanians were beneficiaries this visit. Dej stated in presence Soviet Ambassador that Rumania would not always issue visas to Americans just because they had obtained Soviet visas. I replied that US would not always issue visas to Rumanians merely because they had been privately invited by a US citizen.

Dej expressed impatience that US would not vote for Rumanian admission UN. I explained that American people had long memories and much time needed to persuade them Rumanians were serious in their present resolve to respect human rights. I stressed US presently was going long way considering public opinion.

Dej showed intense interest in US trade. He stated more than once in answer to my pointing out US not interested Rumanian products that this hurdle easy to pass by other arrangements. At my suggestion he directed Foreign Minister to prepare for me details of Rumanian needs from US.

I told Dej I was returning for short visit to Washington to discuss over-all Rumanian-US relations as I had found them and suggested that before my departure I would like review these relations in detail with Foreign Minister in order determine exactly where we stood on basis of reciprocity. Dej agreed that this be done. Tentative date fixed 2 December.³ On leaving Dej again referred with approval my suggestion destroy old retaliatory measures and promised Rumanian cooperation.

Soviet Ambassador throughout did everything possible break up conversation, which lasted about two hours, but was ignored by Rumanians. Western diplomats report unusual lack of respect shown by Rumanians for Soviet Ambassador but warn this should not be taken as indication Rumanian independence but merely due weakness particular individual. They comment Yugoslav party first time top Rumanian officials willing have relaxed conversations with West.⁴

Thayer

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.66/12–155. Confidential.
2. A more complete report of this conversation is in despatch 145 from Bucharest, December 6. (Ibid., 611.66/12–655)

3. The report on this meeting, transmitted in telegram 172 from Bucharest, December 3, reads:

   “Talk with Foreign Minister held December 2. List specific Rumania wants commodity and equipment field promised; this may afford information their lacks. List includes request purchase license manufacture orlon at 5,000 tons per year. Foreign Minister said during last weeks ‘6 or 7’ citizens have received permission go to US; he will furnish identities. (Consulate has received no applications for documentation.)

   “Foreign Minister extremely sensitive VOA and RFE ‘propaganda’; hinted many current problems soluble on strict tit for tat basis, under guise ‘principles co-existence and cooperation’. Apparently receptive to atoms for peace as US exhibit at prospective Rumanian exhibition on peaceful uses atomic energy, probably within year or so.

   “Proposed exchange permanent trade representations between countries.” (Ibid., 611.66/12–355)

   A more complete account of this discussion is in despatch 146 from Bucharest, December 6. (Ibid., 611.66/12–655)

4. In response, the Department cautioned Thayer to avoid any possibility of misinterpretation by the Rumanians of his remarks to mean “commitments or understandings on points at issue” between the United States and Romania. (Telegram 122 to Bucharest, December 6; ibid., 661.66/12–355)