871.00/11–2145: Telegram
The American Representative in Rumania (Berry) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 21—8:15 p.m.]
906. Mr. Maniu asked urgently to meet General Schuyler and me. He stated that in view that the fury of the reign of terrorism of the Groza govt had not abated; that investigation had not been [undertaken?] [Page 627] by the ACC in connection with the events of November 8; that the investigations made by the Govt were directed exclusively against the National Peasant Party; and that the leaders of the Peasant Party no longer have any security of domicile or of person, he asked, (1) that the political situation in Rumania be immediately examined, (2) that the ACC immediately investigate the events of November 8 and (3) that sanctuary be provided Dr. Ilie Lazar and his minor daughter. Dr. Lazar is head of the Peasant Party organization of the working men. He and his daughter have been threatened with death by their political opponents.
Bearing in mind the instructions sent this Mission on asylum (re-Deptel 86 of February 23 and 110 of March 725) and that if this Mission were authorized to extend asylum under the same instructions as issued Ambassador Patterson (Depcirtel of November 13, 9 a.m.26), it would be unable to offer asylum because of the fourth condition.
General Schuyler and I limited ourselves to a statement that we would forward to our Government a report of Mr. Maniu’s request.
- Latter not printed; but see footnote 17, p. 507.↩
- Not printed; it stated that Ambassador Richard Patterson in Yugoslavia had been instructed as follows on the question of granting asylum to opposition leaders: “We are in general opposed to having our Missions grant asylum under normal circumstances. In view of unsettled conditions in Europe now however cases may arise where rigid adherence to policy of withholding asylum might give grounds for criticism that we are unmindful of risks being taken by patriotic leaders of democratic opinion. Patterson therefore authorized to provide protection when it is requested provided he is satisfied (1) that the individual is in immediate danger for his life (2) that no other reasonable avenue of safety is open to him (3) that his life is endangered only as a result of political activities that are consistent with democratic processes and (4) that lives or safety of Embassy personnel will not be jeopardized by granting asylum. Privilege to be exercised only on individual merit of each case.” (800.00 Summaries/11–1435).↩