Continuing on with my dad's adventures in pre-WWII (and Communist) Romania...
Apparently, giving bribes to officials was more or less a way of life in Romania. Not only was it expected, it was also required but, as discussed in a previous post, it had to be done in an "agreed upon" manner between the parties. The words were never said, but the meaning was always there between the parties.
Once my dad had to get some old paintings out of the country. They were family paintings and practically worthless to anyone else (unless they were interested in distant relatives). He needed to get an export permit for the paintings. However, export permits were very difficult and expensive. My dad realized that the local art museum had the authority to give permits.
He bought a bottle of slivovitz (amazing how many stories begin with "I bought a bottle of slivovitz") and went to see the director of the art museum. After having a shot, my dad complimented the director on the wonderful museum and the fantastic paintings inside. My dad told the director that, as a loyal son of Romania, he felt obliged to support the museum. He took out $200 and left it on the table. The director tried to write my dad a receipt, but my dad told him that it was not needed. My dad then asked, however, if he could have an export permit for the paintings. The director told him it was no problem and gave him the permit.
Nothing directly was said. Nothing directly needed to be said.
Apparently, giving bribes to officials was more or less a way of life in Romania. Not only was it expected, it was also required but, as discussed in a previous post, it had to be done in an "agreed upon" manner between the parties. The words were never said, but the meaning was always there between the parties.
Once my dad had to get some old paintings out of the country. They were family paintings and practically worthless to anyone else (unless they were interested in distant relatives). He needed to get an export permit for the paintings. However, export permits were very difficult and expensive. My dad realized that the local art museum had the authority to give permits.
He bought a bottle of slivovitz (amazing how many stories begin with "I bought a bottle of slivovitz") and went to see the director of the art museum. After having a shot, my dad complimented the director on the wonderful museum and the fantastic paintings inside. My dad told the director that, as a loyal son of Romania, he felt obliged to support the museum. He took out $200 and left it on the table. The director tried to write my dad a receipt, but my dad told him that it was not needed. My dad then asked, however, if he could have an export permit for the paintings. The director told him it was no problem and gave him the permit.
Nothing directly was said. Nothing directly needed to be said.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR
IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF
THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene
tausk
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