740.00116 E.W./12–2144: Telegram
The American Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—9:02 a.m.]
34. Please see my No. 30 of December 18, 1 p.m.87 The trials of the King’s Counsellors and Ministers and of the members of Parliament opened on schedule this morning before the People’s Courts at Sofia. At the initial hearing of the first group, the Counsellors and Ministers, it was announced that those of the accused who are “absent” would be represented by counsel. The lawyers chosen to contest this defense observed that it was not only customary but important for attorney to consult his client especially to determine what plea to enter—guilty or not guilty; that perforce the plea in these cases must be not guilty. The public prosecutor observed that, as the facts in the respective cases were so notorious, it was hardly a matter of importance for the defending lawyers to consult their clients.
This afternoon the Partisan Army division of General Slavacho Trunski, which has just returned from the Yugoslav front, is being blessed in the Cathedral Square. The political character of this ceremony and its connection with the opening of the trials today are indicated by the unmartial-like banners being carried by these armed troops, bearing such legends as “Long live the Red Army”; “Merciless death for the assassins of the Bulgarian people”; “Death to Fascism”; “Down with the Fascist officers”; “Long live the union between the people and the army”. Indeed the advocates of a people’s army are in the saddle today hoping to spur the People’s Court to “justice”. Bulgaria has indeed fallen upon difficult times and perhaps into the hands of questionable associates.
Of further interest in this general picture is the fact that Chief of Staff General Slavkov has been replaced by the Soviet-trained Bulgarian General Kinov. Similarly the important post of Chief of Military Intelligence (Bulgaria Gestapo) held until recently by Togzceno leader, Colonel Lekarski,88 has now been filled by Colonel Vrzigov,89 likewise trained in the USSR. At the same time numerous military personnel are being arrested every day from all branches of the army by the militia. While all this is greatly resented and feared by the bulk of the officer class, the paralysis of their leadership and the presence of Russian troops prevent them from taking action.
Repeated to Caserta as 26 and to Moscow as 19.