The controversy between Russia and Rumania over the ownership of Bessarabia (a border province of rather more than 17,000 square miles lying on the Black Sea to the west of Odessa and bounded by the rivers Pruth and Dniester) has done more than prevent the restoration of friendly relations between the two claimant nations. By refusing to consent to Rumania's annexation of Bessarabia the Bolshevists have been able to strengthen their position as defenders of the national integrity of Russia.
