874.00/8–2545: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes)
278. Following statement released by Dept to press today:
“In response to a request for comment upon the announcement by the Bulgarian Government of the postponement of national elections, Secretary of State James F. Byrnes said:
‘I am gratified to learn that the Bulgarian Government has announced the postponement of the national elections originally scheduled for August 26.
This decision should make it possible for the Bulgarian people, at a later date, to choose in free elections a fully representative government which will be able to conclude a treaty of peace and to reestablish normal relations with the United States.
It is especially gratifying to me that the representatives in Sofia of the Soviet Union, British and United States Governments were unanimously in accord with the decision of the Bulgarian Government. This is a striking demonstration of the unity of purpose of the three nations to work together to assist the liberated peoples of Europe in the establishment of democratic governments of their own choice.’”