874.01/82: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:45 p.m.]
879. I have learned from a thoroughly reliable source that the Bulgarian Minister, who reported yesterday from Sofia, is very depressed. He declared to my informant that his Government was fumbling and undecided and afraid of what happened to Hungary. He stated that the members of the Government lacked qualities of leadership and rather than take action are hoping for a miracle. The Government represented so small section of the country that any action it would take would not enjoy nationwide political support. Balabanoff had recommended that it was better for Bulgaria to register herself on the anti-German side even at the price of temporary German occupation. He had a violent altercation with Filoff the Regent who appears to be entirely on the German side as is Prince Kyril. Balabanoff stated that Kossievanoff had been called back from Bern and had been offered the portfolio of Minister for Foreign Affairs. He had declined saying that it was both too early and too late to do anything and had returned to Bern.
The Minister said that discussions are now taking place in Sofia regarding changes in the Government and that Bogranioff is mentioned as a possible Prime Minister. The present Prime Minister, Bojiloff, is very worried and more than any other Minister is prepared to make such changes as may ultimately allow a definite stand to be taken against Germany.
Balabanoff stated that the Bulgarians are much worried over the prolonged absence of the Russian Minister from Sofia. The Bulgarian Government asked the Soviet Government more than a month ago for their agrément to Radev as Bulgarian Minister at Moscow and have not received an answer. Balabanoff does not expect that the Russian agrément will be forthcoming since Radev is strongly pro-German. The Minister stated that it was true that the Russians had asked for Bulgaria’s permission to reopen consulates in Varna and Burgas.