23. Memorandum of Conversation0
SUBJECT
- US-Rumanian Relations
PARTICIPANTS
- U.S.
- The Secretary
- Richard H. Davis, EUR
- Harold C. Vedeler, EE
- Jack M. Carle, EE
- Rumanian
- Corneliu Manescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Mircea Malita, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Petre Balaceanu, Minister to the U.S.
- Stefan Nastusescu, Private Secretary to Mr. Manescu (Interpreter)
Following discussion of some of the broader problems in East-West relations, the conversation turned to US-Rumanian bilateral relations. The Secretary expressed the hope that we could find points at which our relations could develop. He said that we were exploring trade possibilities at present and had already taken certain administrative actions in [Page 50] this connection. Mr. Manescu replied that he did not wish to give the appearance of hurrying things but would like to express the views of his government as to specific ways in which our relations could be improved.
- 1.
- Removal of Travel Restrictions. Mr. Manescu said that “the game had been interrupted by the U.S., and the ball was now in your hands”. The Secretary said he accepted the fact that the ball was in our court and hoped we could furnish our answer soon to their recent note on this subject. He also hoped that the Rumanians would have a sophisticated understanding of the position we must take on travel, which is greatly influenced by the fact that the US constitutes the great heartland of NATO defensive strength.
- 2.
- Raising the Level of Diplomatic Missions. Mr. Manescu thought that it would contribute to the extension of our relations to raise the level of our respective missions. He understood it was necessary for us to “take into account other countries—your friends, as well as our friends”. The Secretary replied that we had no fixed views on this matter and did not exclude the possibility of raising the level of our missions. We were giving active consideration to the question. He also indicated that any action we might take would not be subject to the veto of our allies.
- 3.
- Economic Relations. Mr. Manescu pointed out that certain difficulties with regard to Rumania’s desire to broaden its trade relations with the US still existed. Referring specifically to the recent approval of an export license submitted by a US firm in connection with the Galati Metallurgical Combine, the Secretary said that there were some steps which we could take administratively. Other steps would require legislative action, however, and he could offer no encouragement in that regard in the near future. He agreed there was room for improvement of our trade relations and expressed the desire for progress in this field. Mr. Manescu indicated that he was informed of the Galati decision and commented that it was a very welcome step.
- 4.
- Rumanian Trade Delegation. Mr. Manescu reminded the Secretary that an approach had been made concerning a visit to the US of a Rumanian trade delegation. His government believed such a visit would be useful and was interested in knowing if the delegation could come. The Secretary said he assumed Mr. Manescu was referring to the proposal for a visit by a delegation headed by Mr. Gaston-Marin, which Mr. Manescu agreed was correct. The Secretary stated that we hoped to accept this proposal after necessary preparations for discussions with Mr. Gaston-Marin had been made.
In conclusion, the Secretary and Mr. Manescu expressed mutual satisfaction with the exchange of views and improvement of communication [Page 51] between the two governments, which had resulted from this meeting, as well as their two previous conversations in New York.
Note: Conversation was conducted through an interpreter furnished by the Rumanian side.
- Source: Department of State, Secretary’s Memoranda of Conversation: Lot 65 D 330. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Carle and approved in S on October 27. The source text is labeled “Part 2 of 2 parts.” A memorandum of the part of the conversation on East-West relations is ibid.↩