740.00119 E.W./9–1344: Telegram
The Ambassador to the Greek Government in Exile (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:10 p.m.]
Greek 309. Department’s Greek 92, of September 12. With reference to the Soviet proposal that the Bulgarian terms be presented at Moscow or at Ankara, Steel, who is in charge of Balkan affairs for Lord Moyne, personally expresses a strong preference for Moscow on the grounds that there is no British Ambassador at Ankara and that in any event negotiations would proceed more rapidly at Moscow [Page 419] On the basis of our experience here in connection with the Rumanian negotiations, I agree with the above, if the terms, when presented to the Bulgarian delegate, are still to be open to discussion. However, if they are to be presented simply for signature, after being completely elaborated and agreed on previously by the victorious powers, I can see no valid reason against the apparently continuing, British official preference for Cairo which may not be unconnected with natural pique over Russia’s last minute entrance into the affair.
Repeated to Moscow and Ankara, to London as 31 and to Caserta as 60.