740.00119 E.W./7–2144: Telegram
The Consul General at Istanbul (Berry) to the Secretary of State
Istanbul, July
21, 1944—noon.
[Received 10:56 p.m.]
[Received 10:56 p.m.]
430R92. Source close to Bulgarian Government reports following political and military information brought back to Turkey by Balabanov.
[Page 350]- 1.
- The Government’s policy of internal pacification is succeeding. Partisans in Bulgaria now number not more than 2,000. Russia is worried by this since population is not rising against government as desired by unofficial Soviet propaganda.
- 2.
- Regarding official relations with Russia, Soviet Chargé d’Affaires has had two meetings with Bagryanov and two with Draganov within last few days, indicating that Russia will soon satisfy certain Bulgarian demands but not specifying what.
- 3.
- Draganov has openly received leaders of Jewish community in Bulgaria, promising them that Jews will be treated in accordance with Bulgarian law. This indicates a changed attitude in their behalf. Sofia has announced that all facilities will be given Jews to leave Bulgaria without hindrance.
- 4.
- Bulgarian Government has given orders to anti-aircraft artillery not to fire on American planes in transit over Bulgarian territory unless Bulgarian territory is directly attacked. This follows devastating Allied attack on Karlovo believed to have been provoked when planes heading for Rumania were imprudently fired upon inducing them to turn to attack the Bulgarians also.
Repeated to Amrep Algiers for Murphy as my No. 40 and true reading to MacVeagh, Cairo.
Berry