File No. 763.72/10865
The Consul General at Sofia ( Murphy) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 26.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that on the 26th instant, I had a most satisfactory audience with Bulgaria’s new Prime Minister, Mr. Alexander Malinoff, and beg to confirm my telegram of the 27th instant, as follows:
[Here follows paraphrase of telegram No. 149 of June 27, ante, page 279.]
The Prime Minister, who was most cordial in his greeting, is a warm friend and admirer of the United States, one expression he used deserving to be remembered. It was to this effect— “I beg to assure you that during my administration, Bulgaria’s conduct will be such as will never offend the United States.” As I telegraphed on the 21st instant, all the members of the new Cabinet are of the Democratic Party and all are friends of the United States. Mr. Malinoff’s attitude has long been known to me—as well as the attitude of Mr. Andrew Liapcheff, the new Minister of Finance. They are dependable men—of great ability and sterling character, enjoying to the full the confidence of the entire country.
[Page 293]The old Cabinet fell because of the anti-German sentiment that has been constantly increasing and spreading until it has become general throughout Bulgaria. The feeling that the Germans were permitted to drain the country of her food supplies, leaving the people to suffer and to starve, could no longer be ignored—hence the change—which is universally welcomed. To be just to the former Prime Minister, it must be said that he invariably treated me, as the American representative in Bulgaria, with the most distinguished courtesy. He firmly resisted the German pressure which has been steadily applied to force a break in the relations between Bulgaria and the United States. How much of his attitude, however, was attributable to the wishes of His Majesty, King Ferdinand (who has always been friendly to the United States), I am not prepared to say, but I want to give Dr. Radoslavoff all the credit that belongs to him.
It would be a thousand pities if any misunderstanding should arise now between Bulgaria and the United States—after the coming into power of this new Democratic Cabinet, every member of which is friendly to us. Mr. Malinoff’s assurance that while he is in power, Bulgaria “will maintain the closest possible relations with the United States,” expresses the desire of every single member. Mr. Malinoff has closely followed the program of the President and unhesitatingly expressed his approval of it.
Here I will quote the words of a distinguished member of the Democratic Party—one of the leaders of the Sofia bar—“Germany”—said he—“would be very happy, she would give millions to force a break with America—particularly now that she knows Mr. Malinoff and his colleagues admire and respect the stand America has taken in this world war and her defense of the small nations.” Similar expressions may be heard now every day—so that my long-cherished hopes are strengthened that in the Balkans may yet be found the way that will lead the world out of the labyrinth in which it has been well-nigh lost.
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I have [etc.]