740.00119 European War/2305: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)
775. Your 924 March 19. In consideration of a proposal of the Bulgarian Minister in Ankara word was sent on March 2 that representatives of the three principal Allies were prepared to meet a fully qualified Bulgarian mission in Cairo. Although the Bulgarians have so far not indicated whether they intend to send out such a mission, the Department, believing that discussion of the Bulgarian surrender terms should be in as advanced a stage as possible should this project develop, has directed its representative on the European Advisory Commission to be prepared to take the subject up after the Commission has disposed of the German terms and at such time as his British and Soviet colleagues have received authorization for its discussion.
Information available here tends to indicate that Prince Cyril has been very active recently and that Bulgarian leaders have been devoting considerable attention to popularizing and strengthening the dynasty apparently with a view to ensuring its future. It is reported that the present Government is conducting an intensive propaganda campaign to combat defeatist tendencies and continues despite widespread opposition to base its policy on (a) the retention of conquered territory and (b) continued collaboration with the Germans. The strain between the Regency and the Germans is said to have been intensified by reports that Kiosseivanov54 might be asked to head a pro-Allied government, whereas the Nazis are expected to insist on a Quisling regime headed by Tsankov55 or Gabrovski.56 It would be interesting to learn whether information in possession of the Soviet Minister to Sofia bears out these reports.
[Page 320]The Department has no reliable information regarding the effect current military and political events may be having on the Bulgarian situation, although it is understood the occupation of Hungary has stimulated the growth of the Bulgarian “underground”.