740.00119 Council/8–646: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris
us urgent
3886. Secdel 603. For the Secretary. Subject your approval we think Berry’s proposal Bucharest 753 Aug 3 repeated Paris Secdel as 97 and London as next following tel most desirable step in circumstances.14
It seems to us that on basis available info strong case cannot be made against actual provisions electoral laws but that emphasizing importance full and effective compliance by Rum Govt with spirit of free democratic processes in coming elections would not only serve in some measure to influence Govt toward implementation its pledges but also constitute notice to Govt of reservation US position in regard outcome elections. Likelihood of obtaining desirable reassurances from FonMin concerning civil liberties in pre-election period would appear greater if such assurances requested by you orally than if sought in first instance through formal démarche previously proposed in Bucharest 705 July 11 repeated London as 97 and to Secdel Paris as next succeeding tel. Suggested subsequent informal confirmation to Groza etc. of substance your conversation with Tatarescu including such assurances as he may give would also, we believe, be useful. We could consider further advisability formal note to FonOff.
If you agree this course we would like to take matter up with Brit with view to similar Brit action. At time earlier proposal Berry’s Brit colleague Bucharest informed FonOff London on July 16 his endorsement some such move on grounds its sobering effect on Rum [Page 619] Govt and its encouragement to best elements of opposition.
Sent Paris for Secdel repeated London and Bucharest.
- In telegram 3954, Delsec 809, August 11, from Paris, the Secretary gave his approval to the general procedure set forth below (740.00119 Council/8–1146)↩