Page 45 - Romania 100

seems more valid than ever - only a united Europe could ensure the liberation of the
the support of the West and under the protection of the European idea,
In identifying a solution to solve this situation, Grigore Gafencu was unconditionally and with abnegation involved in the European movement, whose objective at that time was the establishment of a community of free states by unifying all the peoples of Europe, including those who were included in the sphere of the Soviet influence.
In addition to his pro-
European activity - which was appreciated by important people such as the former Prime Minister of the Great Britain, Sir Winston Churchill
-, Grigore Gafencu also undertook to organize the Romanian exile in a unitary body, led by a distinguished exile personality, which could continue the struggle for the promotion of the Romanian cause abroad in the new post- war context. When he realized that the vanity of some figures of the exile scene and the small differences between them
were important obstacles to
his project, Grigore Gafencu withdrew with elegance, refusing the various proposals that he received. This, perhaps, was the reason why, in 1952, he decided to retire to Paris, where he would settle until his death, which occurred in 1957.
This year, when our country celebrates 100 years since the creation of Greater Romania and strives to become a voice of the United Europe, we believe that the work carried out by Grigore Gafencu is an exceptional example to follow, through the dedication and abnegation with which the great Romanian diplomat served his country.
captive nations by hampering the Soviet interests, an idea that he would express in an article published in 1952 in the journal ’Destin’, that was published in the Romanian diaspora:
“Since we were born to new life and placed on political foundations with
it was natural for us to remain bound to the idea of an independent and sovereign state. It was for us a command of history and an essential condition to guide ourselves by
the requirements of the European order in all international crises.”
45
PHOTO: AGERPRES