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Our preparations which could not be objects of public discussion, but 
which were carried on with great activity, could not be indifferent to the public 
opinion of the Central Powers, and more especially of the leaders of the war, who 
besides their military action were attempting a parallel action of buying con 
sciences, and of creating a current of public opinion favorable to our joining 
the war, side by side with the Central Powers. 
Besides this action which was carried on by a whole series of propaganda orga 
nizations which distributed pamphlets and illustrations for the glorification of 
the Central Powers, but which were founded on the corruption of consciences; 
even the means of suppressing publicity by buying up some of the existing pu 
blications, determining them to back their policy, were endeavoured. 
The Roumanian nation did notj let itself be led astray by momentary 
sucesses, nor could it deny its seculary hope in the unity of the nation, by rash 
adventure. 
At the same time as this written propaganda, the Central Powers made 
an attempt in an economical direction, trying to get hold of the agricultural 
products and in this way to avoid the blockade of the allies. 
The German Government intended to make through its agricultural orga 
nizations in the country, an agreement, in force of which the Consortium which 
it would create in B nearest, would buy up only from the big land owners, 
whose views were favorable to their action and which therefore were mar 
ked out by the propaganda office. 
Evidently that such attempts placed the Roumanian Government in a very 
delicate situation, because it they did not agree with the actions of the Central 
Powers they could not prevent the agriculturers from selling their crops. 
As the first counter action the central commission of export was created, 
by which the State monopolized the sale of corn. 
Two contracts were concluded with the Central Powers, and one with the 
British Government for the purchase of Roumanian corn. 
Thanks to this last contract Roumania though neutral consented to with 
draw large quantities of her products from their former normal outlet 
which was towards the Central Countries, and thus contributed to the blockade 
of her future enemies. Turkey who at the time of this contract was already 
at war, side by side with the Central Powers, as the first service which it could 
do for its allies, blocked the Straits of Constantinople; in this manner 
the corn bought by the British Government through the office created in 
Bucarest, could not be exported according to the contracts and was deposited 
in the ware houses of the railway specially transformed for the purpose under 
the clauses of the contract. 
Thus this corn being purchased became the property of the British go 
vernment and had to await the favorable moment to be transported or resold 
But it is a fact that the principal object namely an economical blockade ope 
ration against the Central Powers was obtained and nobody can say that so far 
as was possible, the good will and the assistance of the Roumanian government 
was not placed at the service of this cause.