Telegram 066623 from the Romanian Embassy in Pyongyang to the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

TELEGRAM 066623

To: the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to comrade Ion Ciubotaru

From: the Romanian Embassy in Pyongyang

Date: May 31, 1977

Classification: Secret

Referring to the economic relations between his country and the DPRK, Polish Embassy Advisor Piotr Glinski told A. Lazar about various difficulties as a result of the lack of a sufficient consumer goods stock and of large foreign debts the DPRK cannot currently repay. Poland, emphasized Glinski, would like to support its Korean counterpart in overcoming these difficulties and suggested that, apart from developing bilateral economic relations, the DPRK should consider adhering to the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance.

The Polish Advisor claimed that the DPRK received this year similar proposals from various socialist countries, including twice from Poland, yet the suggestions were not met with an encouraging response.

We consider that re-inviting the DPRK to become a member of the CMEA is a coordinated action part of the visible efforts of the USSR and other European socialist countries to befriend the DPRK, under the belief that economic difficulties will compel the DPRK to join the CMEA.

Signed: Dumitru Popa