Marshal Ion Antonescu

How could a measure that led to the death of over 50,000 people be the best solution?

I don't think it would be fair to generalize and say that all the Jewish population in Bessarabia took part in the incidents in June 1940. I doubt that the Communists were a majority in the Jewish community and a more fairtreatment by the Romanian state in the inter-war period would have yielded a much more friendlier attitude and more pro-Romanian sentiments in the region. Instead Romania treated Bessarabia like a sort of Alaska and the Jews there as unwanted inside the country. No wonder some of them expressed pro-Soviet feelings. And not only jews, but also some Russians and Bulgarians living in Bessarabia commited such acts, yet I don't think any were deported to Trans-Dnestra.

The pro-Communists in Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina, of who many took part in the kiling or deportation of many unwanted "reactionary" Romanians (some 30-40,000) and Jews (some 10,000 IIRC) most likely retreated with the Red Army, as they would have had to be really dum to stay behind and face the fury of the locals they persecuted.

Antonescu claimed in 1946 that not the deportation itself, but the way it was carried out led to the tragedy:

So does that mean that the measure was good and unfortunately was wrongly applied? I doubt it. Furthermore I doubt Antonescu did not know how it was carried out or that he didn't know about the orders to execute the Jews that could not keep up with the column.

At Denes' request, the discussion about nation has moved here:
http://www.worldwar2.ro/forum/index.php?showtopic=1815

Victor

I am braking my head regarding this photo. Can I see it in full...otherwise can you tell me what kind of a sea plane Mihai is boarding and whats the type of the large aircraft in the background ( is that the 6 engined German navy Flying Boat ?)

Alex

How come Antonescu wears Pilot/Observer Luftwaffe badge....was he ever trained as professional pilot ?

Alex

The Pilot's Observer Badge in Gold with Diamonds was the special award, which only Goering could distribute and he gave it to less than 100 people. Antonescu received it in June 1941. It was mostly a protocol award (just like the Mihai Viteazul Order 1st class). I remember reading that Antonescu had some observer training prior to WWI, but I am not sure about that.

Victor I am sorry but I didnt notice that, if it was of gold and with diamonds today its worth would be priceless...do you know if it was retained at any Museum in Rumania or was also thrown as junk as the commies mostly did in Rumania with historical pieces in smilar to the Russians.....if you ever get that photo with the badge in colour because I know it exist in colour too kindly post it here. A few years ago I both the same badge put as pin twice smaller with diamons and in gold of Adolf Galland from a Berliner Auctions House, if you want to see it I will scan it

Thanks in advance

Alex