Prime Minister Ion Gheorghe Maurer describes Romania's new policies and approach to relations with China and the Soviet Union at a time when Romania was increasingly attempting to distance itself from the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union's military control. Toward this end, Mauer proclaims a policy of military disengagement and disarmament, declaring that mediation and negotiation are the only legitimate way of resolving international tensions.
November 22, 1963
Cable from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, 'What to Say About Maurer’s Article'
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Outgoing Telegram
[…]
What to Say About Maurer’s Article
To All Ambassies and Liaison Offices:
Diplomatic Bulletin No. 123
Recently, Ion Gheorghe Maurer, a member of the Politburo of Romania and the chairman of the Council of Ministers, published an article in the eleventh issue of Problems of Peace and Socialism. He fully illustrated his views on the major principles debated by the international communist movement. Maurer also supported the Soviet government's statement on September 21st and Khrushchev's talk on October 25th. On behalf of the Romanian Party, He issued an "appeal" to stop public polemics and advocated "discussions" between various parties to create conditions for the meeting of communist parties next year. After the publication of this article, the Romanian ambassador to Czechoslovakia soon introduced this article to our Ambassador Zhong Xidong. The Romanian Ambassador to the Soviet Union asked our Ambassador Pan Zili many times about our views on Maurer's article and expressed his hope to for us to acknowledge our thoughts with him after reading the article. Embassies in other countries should not take the initiative to discuss Maurer's articles in diplomatic activities. If the Romanian side asks about it, you can express opinions on our behalf, following the instructions below:
(1) Do not criticize Romania directly, and do not adopt a polemical tone. You can say that we have discussed the major principle issues involved in Maurer's article in official documents and articles published in the past. Thus, the similarities and differences between us are very clear. As for the attitude of the Romanian party, we do not want to express our views, but we believe that our Party's views are absolutely correct. If the other party talks about specific differences [in our views of those major principal issues], you can make a brief statement according to our articles’ content.
(2) Point out that Khrushchev's so-called "advocation to stop public polemics" is nothing but a deception aimed at covering up his rampant anti-China activities. According to the material reported by the People's Daily, it is clear that while Khrushchev was talking about stopping the polemics, he attacked our party more brutally. His speech is not trustworthy and we cannot believe him. We have our own experience [on the issue of polemics]. We have to listen to what they say and watch what they do. When necessary, you can cite facts to show that we have always advocated eliminating differences and strengthening unity. The public polemics were instigated by the leaders of the CPSU as in the past and again now.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
November 22, 1963
The Chinese Foreign Ministry advises its diplomats "not to criticize Romania directly" despite indications that Ion Gheorghe Maurer is supporting the Soviet Union.
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