TATARESCU, GHEORGHE

born 1886, Trgu-Jiu, Rom. died March 28, 1957, Bucharest Romanian diplomat and politician who, as premier of Romania (193437, 193940), was unable to stem the tide of fascism. A Bucharest lawyer, Tatarescu served during 192226 as undersecretary of state in the Liberal government of Ionel Bratianu. Appointed minister of industry in November 1933, he was charged with the direction of the government after the assassination of Premier Ion Duca (Dec. 29, 1933). As premier (January 1934November 1937), Tatarescu remained a pliable tool of the king, Carol II, and his administration was conducted exclusively under a state of martial law. After the establishment of a royal dictatorship in February 1938, Tatarescu served as deputy premier (FebruaryMarch 1938) and as premier (November 1939June 1940). During 1940 he was Romanian ambassador to France. After World War II he was entrusted with the Foreign Office (194547) but, under mounting criticism by the communist-controlled press and a vote of no confidence by Parliament, was forced to resign (November 1947).