711.74119/4: Telegram

The Minister in Bulgaria (Wilson) to the Secretary of State

8. Department’s instruction number 1 of December 9th. President of commission appointed by Prime Minister to study the proposed treaty came to me today and stated that Government believes ratification would meet strong parliamentary opposition owing to the fact that as the United States and Bulgaria were never at war there is no immediate justification for a peace treaty based on that of Neuilly which is a consequence of war. He also pointed out that proposed draft retains all clauses favorable to United States and omits all favorable to Bulgaria. He stated willingness of Bulgaria to negotiate separate commercial agreement on most-favored-nation basis and suggested possible willingness of Bulgaria to negotiate also naturalization, extradition, and consular conventions. I believe Bulgaria might possibly accept proposed draft if United States would agree to modifications reported Legation [Page 668] despatch number 30, February 13, but I have discouraged any such hope. In my opinion value for the United States of proposed treaty lay chiefly in having American member on inter-Allied commission present composition of which makes commercial relations between the United States and Bulgaria extremely difficult. See my despatch number 32, February 15.5 I told president of commission that owing to these conditions which could be remedied by proposed treaty I believed Bulgaria might experience some difficulty in securing a loan in America which she intends to try to obtain shortly. Respectfully request earliest possible instructions.

Wilson
  1. Not printed.