711.744/32
Memorandum by Mr. Maynard B. Barnes of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs
During the past four years I have had innumerable conversations with officials of the Bulgarian Ministry for Foreign Affairs on the subject of the proposed treaty concerning military service and cases of dual nationality. These conversations have convinced me that without a change in the Bulgarian law on nationality it is impossible for Bulgaria to sign such a treaty with us, and that there is no likelihood that this law will be changed in the relatively near future. Revision of the law in the manner necessary to permit of the conclusion of the treaty would lay down principles prejudicial to the Bulgarian point of view on certain of the problems outstanding between it and its neighbors. It would also affect the nationality status of many thousands of Bulgarians actually resident in Bulgaria. I am therefore of the opinion that we should accept the Bulgarian note of April 17, 1934, as a final reply in this matter.
[Page 106]I may add that I do not believe that any good can come of discussions on the subject with Mr. Petroff.9 He is not in a position to induce his Government to abandon its point of view on what is a very important question for Bulgaria. If we have any persuasive arguments to present I think they should be communicated directly to the Ministry in Sofia through our Mission there.
- S. W. Petroff Tchomakoff, Bulgarian Chargé.↩