Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The British Commonwealth and Europe, Volume III

740.00119 European War 1939/2575: Telegram

The Vice Consul at Istanbul (Squires) to the Secretary of State

Istanbul, May 6, 1944—noon.
[Received 3:10 p.m.]

277R60. Reference my No. 274R59 of May 3, 6 p.m. It is reported on good authority that the Bulgarian Minister to Turkey, Balabanov, will remain in Sofia for the present. Two reasons for this are advanced by persons familiar with the situation in Bulgaria:

First, to remove German suspicion that Balabanov may be forming connections with Allies looking toward peace terms.

Second, to keep Balabanov in Sofia in case it should be desirable for the Government to use him either in a new Cabinet of more liberal tone or for quick negotiations with Anglo-Americans if opportunity should occur.

Repeated to Amrep Algiers for Murphy⁶⁹ as my No. 12; also to MacVeagh, Cairo.

Squires

69. Robert D. Murphy, U.S. Political Adviser on the Staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater.