874.01/9–1244: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7 p.m.]
3436. ReEmbtel 3425, September 11. While Embassy has no information concerning identity of leaders of Bulgarian Fatherland Front, it is assumed that new Bulgarian Government reported in Soviet Press for September 10 contains representatives of Fatherland Front (reEmbtel 3410, September 9, midnight). Soviet approval of the new Government may be inferred from publication of the proclamation of the Minister of Propaganda of the new Government. Department will note that while proclaiming restoration of all political rights and freedoms, new Government has ordered arrest of all Ministers serving in Governments since January 1, 1941 and all members of 25th session of National Assembly who approved antinational policy. Similarly while freedom of press is guaranteed all papers which assisted in “bringing Bulgaria to the verge of catastrophe” are closed down.
Press for past week reveals Soviet interest in internal Bulgarian political situation which Soviet Government is apparently seeking to influence with a view to achieving basic aims of its foreign policy in the Balkans.