Recognition of Roumania by U.S. Was Conditioned on Minorities’ Protection

The United States recognition of Roumania was made on the condition of the protection of the minorities, declared the “Evening World” in commenting upon the resolution introduced into the House by Congressman William I. Sirovich calling upon President Collage to abrogate the treaty with Roumania unless the persecution of Jews ceases. The paper writes:

“In view of the very evident persecution of minorities in Roumania, and the present anti-Semitic rioting, a resolution has been offered in the House calling upon the President to intercede against the ‘outrageous treatment of Roumanian minorities, and failing in that to break diplomatic relations between this country and Roumania.’

“This recalls the interesting fact that the recognition of Roumania, and the establishment of diplomatic relations in the time of the Hayes Administration, was due to a very distinct promise from Bucharest that the rights of minorities would be respected. Everything happening to-day was foreseen then, and powerful pressure was brought to bear from Jewish organizations here to make the pledge of justice to minorities a condition of recognition. Secretary of State Everest instructed our representative in the negotiations to press this point of view. Unhappily the European Powers did not insist upon more than a pledge, and we now know what that amounts to. Thus, for half a century Romania has been persecuting minorities and raising a hue and cry against the Jews.

“Fifty years ago the protection of the minorities was urged as a condition for entering upon diplomatic relations; and now it is proposed as a condition for the continuation of these relations. The great opportunity passed when the other nations failed to press their advantage at a time when recognition was essential to the life of the Romanian state.”