Romania. King Michael attempts a coup against dictator Ion Antonescu, loyal to Hitler. Participants in the plot include the Peasant Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Liberal Party, and the Communist Party. The intent is to avoid the potential devastation wrought by the Red Army by switching sides. The dictator is arrested and the terms of surrender to the Allies are accepted. Up until this point, the Communists have played a minimal and marginal role in events. The greatest gift to the Communists will be given by the Allies themselves during the armistice negotiations. The Soviets argue that since their army is occupying Romania, they should control it. The final wording of the armistice places the Soviet command in charge, opening the country to Soviet rule for the next 46 years.
