Losy skarbu rumuńskiego w Rosji po 1916 r.

Abstract

The present article shows, less known in Poland, episode of the Great War, which has affected the relations between Romania and Russia. The matter of seizure of Romanian treasure by Bolsheviks is a critical issue analyzed not only on the historical ground, but also is important in the field of international law and it is key and controversial problem still present in the diplomatic contacts between Romania and Russia. The problem has its genesis at the end of 1916, when Romanian authorities against the forces of the Central Empires decided to evacuate their national treasure (including the resources of the National Bank, works of art and jewellery of Mary of Romania) first to Jassy, which was temporary capital of Romania, and next to Moscow, as the safe, not endangered place with direct warfare. The treasure was transported in two tranches: in December 1916 and in July 1917. The sending the second part of treasure in the conditions after the February Revolution was controversial. Bolsheviks confiscated Romanian treasure at the beginning of 1918 as an effect of severance of Romania–Russia relations. The topic of the treasure returning has been discussed several times since 1919. So far the part of treasure has been returned in 1914 and 1956. It was always the element of political discussions between involved countries. Further talks were initiated in 1965 and next after a political change in 1989. At present, the Russian side does not deny owning at least its part, but subordinates its returning to meeting some complicated legal requirements.