Stranded?

Peter Augustus Jay, U. S. Minister to Rumania, soon to become Ambassador to the Argentine Republic (TIME, Mar. 30), was instructed by the State Department to make one last wail for money owed to the U. S. and to U. S. corporations.

Rumania owes money to half the countries of Europe. Her debts are notorious. Last year (TIME, Apr. 7, 14, 1924, RUMANIA), Benito Mussolini cancelled a proposed visit of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie to Italy's Royal family. He sent destroyers to Rumania's only port, collected some money.

Undaunted, their Majesties Ferdinand and Marie visited France, England, overstayed their welcome, failed to raise a loan (TIME, May 26, Aug. 25, RUMANIA).

Meanwhile at their capital, Bucharest, the Bratiano* brothers further excited the rage of foreigners by passing a bill which amounted to confiscation of U. S. and other property.

Minister Jay presented to the Bratiano brothers, last week, a "sharp note." It pointed out that, while the Rumanian Government had begun negotiations for payment of her debts to other countries, it had ignored the claims of the U. S. It was intimated that

Mr. Jay would remain in Bucharest until he received a fair answer.

The Bratiano brothers received the note, made no comment.

*Jon Bratiano, bearded, sly, adipose, is Prime Minister. His brother, Vintila, is Minister of Finance.