Mihail Pâclianu – A Romanian Diplomat in the Nordic Countries (1919-1928)

Mihail Pâclianu was the longest-serving diplomat to have led a diplomatic mission in the Scandinavian countries. He was also the diplomat who represented Romania’s interests in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland between 1922 and 1928. However, the post of head of mission in Northern Europe did not charm Pâclianu. He would have preferred to stay in Switzerland (he led the Bern legation from 1912 to 1919) or be transferred to areas he already knew well (Turkey and Egypt). However, he complied to his government’s decision to appoint him to the head of the Stockholm legation, which was less important than the Bern legation. In the Scandinavian countries, Pâclianu focused his activity on promoting the image of Romania. He attempted to establish links with political, intellectual and economic elites, as well as to reorganize the network of honorary consulates. He also got involved in the economic sphere, where he agreed to sign agreements which, however, did not strengthen trade ties between Romania and the Scandinavian countries. He led the diplomatic mission in the Scandinavian countries at a time when the region was of secondary importance to the Romanian government. As a result, he did not receive the special support of the Bucharest leadership and did not receive the diplomatic personnel necessary to deal with the entire geographical area and with the “files” administered by the legation. Nevertheless, with limited financial and human resources, Pâclianu succeeded in contributing to the promotion of Romania’s interests in Scandinavia, making a good impression, as evidenced by the reaction of the Scandinavian press at the conclusion of his mission and at his death (July 1928).