740.00119 European War 1939/2570: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Istanbul (Squires) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 4—2:35 p.m.]
274R59. Bulgarian Minister to Turkey, Balabanov, left Istanbul for Sofia May 2. Among other things he will represent to his Government extreme danger in which Bulgaria now stands, attitude of Allied nations toward Bulgaria, hopelessness of Bulgaria’s present position and necessity of establishing contact with Allies with view to getting out of war.
[Page 326]Balabanov belongs to moderate group political leaders who realize folly of pro-German policy of Government and who desire to save country from complete political collapse as well as becoming a Communist state. They believe only hope of maintaining present state and form of government is to break away from Germany at right moment, come to terms with Allies and consolidate the Government before Communists and other extreme elements can seize power and establish their own regime. This is thought to be only way to avert complete national catastrophe. Little hope now entertained any such plan would succeed as difficulties seem insurmountable.
Hope, formerly strong in some circles that Bulgaria might save herself by eventual alignment with Soviets, is waning as result of apparent close collaboration between Soviets and Anglo-Americans. Fear of internal Communist uprising supported from Moscow has not diminished. The root problem of the moderate elements is to save third Bulgarian kingdom from dissolution and upper classes from ruin. Such is believed [apparent omission] of Balabanov thought as he returns to Sofia to report.
Repeated Algiers as my No. 11, also MacVeagh, Cairo.