The signing of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on August 23, 1939, shocked the whole world. In Romania, several politicians correctly anticipated that the Nazis and the Russian communists also agreed on the subject of Bessarabia. In fact, King Charles II received several messages that indirectly confirmed to him that Bessarabia was also on the “discussion table” in Moscow when the infamous Pact was concluded.
In the fall and winter of 1939, King Charles II was preoccupied with the geopolitical changes generated by the signing of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact and the outbreak of World War II. He too assumed that the Nazis and Communists discussed the delimitation of spheres of influence, especially after Germany’s attack on Poland on September 1, 1939.
Confirmation that there was a delimitation of spheres of influence came on September 17, when the USSR attacked the eastern regions of Poland. By this attack, the Soviets were occupying the areas agreed upon in the secret annex of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which divided Eastern Europe between the Soviet and Nazi spheres of influence.
Charles II on Bessarabia, in December 1939: It is certain that the Germans abandoned this part of the country to the USSR
In his “Daily Notes”, Charles II noted several warnings he received over time about the understanding between the Germans and the Soviets on the subject of Bessarabia.
One of these notes is dated December 19, 1939: “When Gafencu (Grigore, Minister of Foreign Affairs, no) came, he also discussed the external situation with Urdăreanu (Ernest, Marshal of the Royal Palace, no).
All the information tends to show that the impression I gathered from Ernest’s conversation with Clodius (Karl, Deputy Director of the Department of Economic Policy in the Foreign Ministry of Nazi Germany, no) is the correct one.
We do not know, however, if there is no written agreement between Germany and the Soviets regarding Bessarabia. In any case, it is certain that the Germans have abandoned this part of the USSR country. Therefore, it is necessary, more than ever, that our defense should not be fixed from the beginning on the Prut, but in the very heart of Bessarabia, which, if we do not defend , no one, absolutely no one will defend her.
In connection with this, we will be forced to concede even more to the Germans in their claims to brand value. We have decided to capitulate to 49, but instead we insist on armaments. There was also talk of the French project in connection with the Eastern Front. If this Front can prepare solidly and sufficiently numerous as troops, to be, in a possible case, of real use, it suits us, provided that these preparations are done silently, without fuss, as they are used to”.
It was clear to Charles II even then that Nazi Germany and the USSR had agreed on the “problem” of Bessarabia, but he did not know if there was a written provision between the two countries.
Charles II, in Chisinau
In the face of these external threats, in order to give a “signal” that his government was determined to defend the country’s borders, Carol II decided to spend the winter holidays of 1940 among the Romanian soldiers, starting from the border of West, from Oradea, then in Dobrogea, in Constanța, and in the East in Chisinau.
On January 6, 1940, Epiphany, Charles II arrived in Chisinau. “A beautiful and good day in Chisinau. We get off the train at 10 o’clock and go straight to the Cathedral, where the service is held. (…) Afterwards, reception at the Military Circle. (…) We once again affirmed our historical rights over this Moldovan land. I avoided saying Bessarabia and thanked the minorities. (…)
During the parade, I was cold, especially in my feet, and this made me walk to the Military Circle. The public’s enthusiasm was raised on this occasion. I have the impression that it was a very good inspiration”.
Charles II’s inspiration was good, but it was not sincere. He walked because his feet were cold, and the crowd understood that the king of Romania had “descended” in the midst of the people and was determined to defend them from possible aggression from the Soviet Union. Which, unfortunately, was not the case.
“The numbers to which the endowment of the army amounts to are astronomical”
Then followed a conference on the armament of Romania, from which Carol II deduced that the sum for endowment of the army was enormous.
“After the meal on the train, a conference for armaments, in which the program for the future was discussed. The figures they reach are astronomical. Only part of the orders, those that will have to be paid during this year (1940, no), would amount, according to summary provisions, to a minimum of 34 billion. These amounts seem a bit exaggerated to me and I think they could be reduced to 25 billion, even so the amounts are enormous and the question is how they will be found.
It will take a formidable financial balancing act so that it can be accomplished. Poor Mitiţă (Constantinescu, Minister of Finance, no) another torment for him. New taxes can hardly be imposed, because they are already very, very high, and, nevertheless, this program must be fulfilled, so that we can say that we have an equipped and prepared army”, noted Carol II in his diary.
Unfortunately, the events of the summer of 1940 caught Romania unprepared from all points of view.
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Source: www.descopera.ro
