740.00119 E.W./9–444: Telegram
The Chargé to the Greek Government in Exile (Shantz) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 4—9:30 a.m.]
Greek 286. Moushanov now declines to act for new Bulgarian Government and British propose unless United States objects to send him back to Turkey Wednesday.
Stating that new Government does not include certain elements of the Left who are apparently hanging back so that Muraviev can bear odium of accepting possibly severe terms after which the Left will oust his government, Moushanov reiterates his statement at meeting Friday that he is a, politician and not a Government functionary and declines to become involved in such an unpopular move which has not Soviet support.
British believe cold reception accorded him here has impressed Moushanov and disillusioned him as to Bulgaria’s getting away with easy terms, a development which Lord Moyne considers good and likely to hasten matters in the end if he convinces his people of it. The British add that Allies should ensure that next delegate is plenipotentiary ready to receive and sign armistice in name of Bulgarian Government even if latter should change during delegate’s stay here and Moyne hopes it will be possible for British Ambassador in Ankara to convince Balabanov of this, remarking that Balabanov himself would appear suitable for the job.
Moushanov yesterday sent message to Balabanov in which he says that the formation of a Government of most eminent Bulgarians will not change armistice terms which will probably be severe and will be a hard blow to friends of Allies in Bulgaria, that he will not accept new mandate, that there is no point in sending numerous delegation as there will be no opportunity to deliberate on the terms and that he advises that a minister plenipotentiary or high ranking officer be sent to receive and sign the armistice in the name of the Government “if the possible entry of Russian troops into Bulgaria does not create a new situation.[”]
[Page 395]Repeated to London as 24, to Caserta as 45 and to Moscow and Ankara.