740.00119 EW/9–144: Telegram
The Chargé to the Greek Government in Exile (Shantz) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 1—4:20 p.m.]
Greek Series 278. Lord Moyne and I met Bulgarian emissaries this afternoon but, as Moushanov is without full powers to treat, the armistice terms were not presented to him.
He explained the assurances given British Ambassador in Ankara by Bulgarian Minister there to the effect that he had such powers by stating that when that assurance was given he was on an unofficial mission to sound out the Allied viewpoint concerning Bulgarian withdrawal from the war. Since that time (the middle of August) he had returned to Sofia and had agreed with Bagrianov to undertake an official mission to receive and sign armistice terms on condition that latter reshuffle his Cabinet. At urgent request that he return to Turkey to receive reply to his original approach, he had left Sofia before Bagrianov carried out that condition and consequently was without full powers. Upon arrival in Turkey he had been expedited to Cairo.
Moushanov also said that he would now accept a mandate to conclude armistice on behalf of Bagrianov without waiting for change of government.
Immediately after the meeting news was received of resignation of Bagrianov government and Moyne is now informing Ankara that Balabanov should obtain credentials for Moushanov from new government or that other envoys should be sent at once.
Repeated to Caserta as No. 39, to London as 19, to Ankara and to Moscow.