768.74/9–2645: Telegram
The Secretary of the United States Mission in Bulgaria (Rewinkel) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:40 p.m.]
559. It has been reported to me that Foreign Minister Stainov has on several occasions stated in conversation that Bulgaria’s only defense against Greek demands is complete friendship and collaboration with Russia who he maintained has declared her support of Bulgaria against Greece while Americans and British have stated that they will uphold Greek demands against Bulgaria. By thus playing on inherent dislike and distrust of Bulgars for Greeks he is attempting to portray Russia as champion of Bulgaria and thereby to strengthen position of Fatherland Front in its policy of deference to Russian wishes. His strategy, I believe, is that “a vote for the Fatherland Front is a vote for defense of Bulgaria against Greece” since Fatherland Front Govt has support and diplomatic recognition [Page 339] of USSR. This may also explain Biryusov’s threat to regents on Sept 7 (re my telegram 529, Sept 12) that Russia would be compelled to withdraw, her “protection” from Bulgaria provided elections were not held under present Fatherland Front Govt headed by Georgiev.
Repeated to Moscow as No. 257.