740.00119 Control (Bulgaria)/12–844: Telegram
Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, Political Adviser, Allied Force Headquarters,73 to the Secretary of State
[Received December 10—10:20 p.m.]
1653. General Crane has reported from Sofia that his personal relations with Beresov, President of ACC, have been very friendly but latter’s interpretations of armistice terms and protocol is that all decisions will be made by himself or his deputy. Beresov seems to think he has authority to restrict movement of members of missions [Page 502] to Sofia and environs except if accompanied by Soviet officer with express permission from him and to determine size of British missions.
Crane has impression that Beresov confuses his dual position, for example he issued orders as President ACC prohibiting entry of British and American military and civilian personnel without prior authority. Other steps, it is believed, have also been taken in name of ACC which have not been laid before the Commission formally. No organization of ACC has been set up yet except for the meeting reported in my No. 1612 of December 5.74 Crane has requested an early meeting in order to establish formal procedure.
According to Crane, several unpleasing incidents have occurred between Russians and British, which have resulted in strained relations, but none have occurred between Russians and Americans. General Oxley is believed to be leaving for London soon to report personally on the situation which he considers unsatisfactory.
Russians were responsible for delay in releasing the 11 American air corps men, 6 British and 1 Chetnik who crashed near Salonika, who made their way nearer Sofia and were held 5 days by the Bulgarians before being released to Crane. Reason for delay seems to have been presence of the one Chetnik.