874.00/10–2045: Telegram
The United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:41 p.m.]
614. Discussing Bulgaria’s unfortunate plight of being at the crossroads of great power interests, Bulgarian Minister for Foreign Affairs said to me several days ago that it is illusory even to hope that Red Army can be made to withdraw from Bulgaria before following conditions met: (1) Satisfaction for Russia with respect to Straits; (2) withdrawal British Army from Greece. He did not in any way argue merits or demerits Russian position as he sees it. Merely stated foregoing as fact that cannot be dispelled by hope that situation is otherwise.
I have good reason to believe there are about 200,000 Russian troops in Bulgaria at this time, including five armored divisions, and that over last 3 months Russian air arm Bulgaria has been greatly strengthened.
Repeated to Moscow as No. 270.