740.0011 EW/9–544: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 5—3:12 p.m.]
3325. ReEmbs 3321, September 5, 7 p.m. After Molotov had informed the British Ambassador and myself of the Soviet declaration of war on Bulgaria, I inquired whether Russian troops would enter Bulgaria. Molotov replied that this was a military question which had not been discussed and which would depend on developments. I asked whether the Soviet Government would prefer the Bulgars to cave in. He replied that it was difficult to say and that it was quite possible that the Bulgarians had foreseen this development as the Soviets had publicly made plain their dissatisfaction with Bulgaria’s continued aid to Germany and unwillingness to join the democratic camp.
I would not be surprised if the Soviet Government’s desire to be party to Bulgarian armistice and control of its execution did not play an important part in the Soviet Government’s declaration of war.
Sent to the Department. Repeated for the secret information of the Ambassadors to AmEmbassy London as 161, AmEmbassy Ankara, AmEmBalk Cairo for MacVeagh.