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Eugen Ionescu, a renowned playwright, hesitated to return to Romania due to fears of state surveillance and past persecution. In 1965, he expressed concerns to actor Radu Beligan about potential repercussions if he visited. Despite his longing for Romania, Ionescu remained wary of the communist regime that had condemned him in absentia in 1946. His notoriety was seen by the authorities as a means to enhance Romania's image abroad, leading to attempts to persuade him to return. Although his 1946 conviction was annulled in 1963, Ionescu's distrust persisted. The Securitate devised a plan involving Beligan and others to influence Ionescu positively, aiming to assess his political stance and encourage a visit. The operation intensified during a 1965 theater tour in Paris, highlighting the regime's ongoing interest in Ionescu's potential return.