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FIRST SECTION 
ARMED NEUTRALITY PERIOD (1914—1916) 
The world’s war begins in August 1919, that is, hardly a year alter the Bal- 
kanic war, in which Houmania was obliged to take part in 1913, in order to 
reestablish the equilibrium in Eastern Europe, where she represented the prin 
ciple of peace and stability. 
The aggression of the Central Powers in August 1914 allowed Roumania, 
on the one hand to desolidarize herself from them, withal her critical position 
on account of her isolation, and on the other hand to afford an indirect aid to 
her future allies 1 ). 
Roumania’s neutrality, kindly towards the a Hies (See annex No... The Con 
vention with Russia, dated September 1914) imposed great material sacrifices 
on her. 2 ) 
Her economical and financial situation which was so flourishing to that 
moment, (Annex 8) was immediately impaired not only by the blocking of the 
Dardanelles, but also by the attitude she took regarding her commerce on her 
Western frontiers, both in order to prevent German transit towards Turkey 
and Bulgaria, as well as to baulk the Central Powers in supplying themselves 
with petroleum, cereals and wood. This provoked almost a complete stagna 
tion of export just at a time, when a particularly rich harvest, when large 
quantities of petroliferous products and of worked timber were stored up. 
Roumania conscious of the sacrifices which are imposed by neutrality, bore them 
with patience, preparing herself for the moment which was not. far off, when 
she would be able to fight by the side of the allies for the common cause. 
The time which passed from August 1914 till August 1916, was for Rou 
mania not a period of quiet and fruitful neutrali ty, as it was for other countries 
but a period of sacrifices, of anxiety, and of trouble in the midst of the prepa 
ratory efforts, for the last sacrifice which Roumania was decided to offer up to 
the allies, by cooperating with them in the war. 
The real dangers to which Roumania exposed herself, by her decided at 
titude against the Central Powers, which were thus impeded in their commu 
nications with Turkey and Bulgaria, for the supplies which they needed so 
badly, are set forth by our enemies themselves, as can be seen from the the do 
cument published by us in Annex I. Only considerations of expediency, and 
causes independent on the will of our enemies, prevented them from carrying 
out these threats. 
Being given the geographical situation of Roumania, the closing of the 
1) The crown counsel of August 3 r d 1914, considers that there is no »casus foederis» as regards the Cen 
tral Powers* and decides to take measures for the defence of the frontiers. These decisions were the first step in 
aid of the allies. 
2) By the Convention with Russia, Roumania undertakes to observe a kindly neutrality towards Bussia- 
which had as a conceuquence to assure Russia’s left wing, allowing her to make use of all her means on the other 
fronts in the interest of her other allias.