740.00119 European War 1939/2408: Telegram
The Consul General at Istanbul (Berry) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 27—2 p.m.]
201R34. Bulgarian47 referred telegram 413, October 2248 arrived Istanbul March 24 having left Sofia preceding day. He is here officially for trade talks with Turkish officials, while not authorized delegate Government to talk peace here presents himself working with approval Filov with whom in direct communication. Before leaving Sofia he had conversations with Bozhilov and Shishmanov.49 Personally he is anti-German, anti-Soviet, well disposed to America [Page 318] but primarily Bulgarian patriot who wants save his country from destruction.
In meeting at his request today he made following statements about results bombing Bulgarian cities: “Bombing works advantage Germany and Soviets and against Anglo-American interests for (1) compelling evacuation city populations, the pro-ally elements who are strong only in the cities are scattered, thus making impossible effective opposition to pro-German element in the Government. [Garbled group] to Anglo-Americans has been altogether disorganized and rendered powerless; (2) nearly all Bulgarians have regretted and opposed war with America, believing that America was basically friendly to Bulgaria and would work for a reasonable peace. Germany is taking advantage bombing to say Germany is Bulgaria’s one friend and hope, and that it is better for Bulgaria to risk all fighting to the end with Germany; (3) public opinion has moved more and more to Soviets. The majority have come to believe that Bulgaria’s place is with Soviets. Former pro-ally leaders like Burov51 have turned to Soviets. Burov confers frequently with Soviet Minister; (4) if bombing continues it will further weaken Bulgarian administration, then opening way for German occupation on the ground that Bulgarian Government cannot control country and maintain Axis interests. Bulgaria is not in position to oppose occupation effectively.”
Informant believes Germans unlikely occupy Bulgaria now, Bulgarian Army will not join in fighting Soviets, he said moderate elements including Filov and Prince Cyril hope Bulgarians can maintain present position of military inactivity. If bombings continue this position cannot be maintained.
Russia is taking advantage of situation to draw Bulgaria into Soviet orbit. Soviet Minister in Sofia has recently been very active seeing Bulgarian opposition leaders and extending Soviet influence. Bulgarians are told that Moscow is building up a powerful Slavic bloc which will be the dominant world force; Bulgarians are urged to join this bloc. The Minister is now en route to Moscow to report Bulgarian and Balkan situation. Bulgarians expect decided Soviet move regarding Bulgaria following his arrival in Moscow.
Hence informant earnestly begs that bombings of Bulgarian cities, that is non-military objectives, be stopped because its continuation is driving Bulgaria directly into subjection both to Germans and to Soviets, both of which all moderate men in Bulgaria desire to avoid. Bulgaria cannot get out of the war while Germans dominate the [Page 319] Balkans, if Anglo-American forces invade Balkans Bulgaria will take immediate steps for peace.
Informant said further that bombing has hardened rather than softened morale, it has also broken up the recognized opposition group in Parliament numbering about 60. The opposition has been reduced to two men, Mushanov52 and Stainov.53
- George P. Kisseloff, vice president of Bulgarian Union of Industrialists, and cotton manufacturer.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Dimiter Shishmanov, Bulgarian Minister for Foreign Affairs.↩
- Atanas Burov, former Bulgarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and leader of the People’s Party.↩
- Nikola Mushanov, leader in Bulgarian Democratic Party, former Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs.↩
- Petko Stainov, leader in Democratic Entente, Bulgarian political $arty, former Minister of Railways.↩