Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, Eastern Europe, The Soviet Union, Volume VI

711.71/12–1646: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Representative in Rumania (Berry)

secret
us urgent

Washington, December 20, 1946—4 p.m.

786. Concerning approach of Gheorghiu-Dej, Dept views with misgiving proposed visit US this time by him or official Rum economic mission for purposes stated urtels 1048, Nov 10⁷⁴ and 1148, Dec 16. Because possible reprecussions from results such visit whether adverse or to some extent successful Dept reluctant give proposal indication of encouragement.

1. Official Rum request for corn has been made through Legation here to International Emergency Food Council and question allocation will be considered by this international body of experts on basis need and supply in relation all other applications for which available shippable supply apparently will not suffice.

Malaxa and Ausnit have pressed corn question in official and commercial circles here and have received above info. We see no purpose Rum officials coming discuss corn since questions of overall needs, supply and transportation will be determinative. Matter is not one of negotiation. Rum authorities should be so informed. If any corn should be allocated Rumania subsequent proposed official visit, Groza Govt and/or Communists would claim credit. If we extend Rum authorities any hope in connection visit for this purpose and no corn should be allocated they would probably employ failure against us.

2. Suggested purpose of discussing ways to attract investment American capital in Rumania seems hardly practicable in view current treatment American interests there. You may in your discretion advise Rum officials that before expressing our views re visit Rum economic mission for this purpose we would like some indication what they are prepared to suggest of interest to American capital which for obvious reasons is skeptical. Fruitful discussion further American investments in Rumania depends on satisfactory settlement present Rum obligations re American investors. Rum officials should be informed that there can be no expectation at this time official US loans. We are not disposed discourage trip undertaken by Rumanians on own initiative provided no implication sponsorship by US Govt and provided purposes limited to negotiations with private business interests here.⁷⁵

3. Dept will follow with interest developments in plan (urtel 1153, Dec 17) for Moscow trip by Gheorghiu-Dej to obtain Sov permission for exports.

Byrnes

74. Not printed, but see footnote 72, p. 670.
75. According to telegram 1175, December 26, from Bucharest (711.71/12–2646), Mr. Berry apprised Gheorghiu-Dej on December 26 of the Department’s views set forth in this telegram.