874.00/10–2045: Telegram
The United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11 p.m.]
615. Fatherland Front electoral campaign opened yesterday afternoon great mass meeting Sofia addressed by Prime Minister and leaders FF parties.
Prime Minister declared postponement August elections imposed by foreign intervention hurtful Bulgarian pride but that delay not regrettable as permitted preparations better conditions for holding elections. Mentioned this connection legalization non-Fascist opposition parties, freedom of press for them and rectification certain shortcomings electoral law. Bitterly attacked opposition for decision boycott elections. Dismissed their explanations as political chicanery and charged real explanation lies in fact opposition knows it has no mass following and is therefore seeking to blackmail Govt and country by threat of further foreign intervention against FF elections. In this connection it is understandable that he did not mention exclusion opposition from state-controlled radio; did not deal with fact August postponement was not followed by reorganization govt because direct Soviet intervention; did not reveal elections are being held by Georgiev Govt because Russia so ordained; did not reply to basic contention opposition that so long as Ministry Interior, militia and courts remain instruments Communist domination psychology of fear conditions all aspects Bulgarian domestic life. He did admit early irregularities and excesses of militia but maintained Govt had held revolutionary surge in check after September 9 more effectively than could any other political combination have done and that conditions in this respect improving daily because Govt’s determination to deal drastically with any irregularities or excesses coming its attention.
He announced that following postponement elections (specifically FF anniversary September 9) Govt liberated 600 persons from “reeducation” (concentration) camps and that prior thereto another 600 had been liberated. He said that lists have now been prepared and orders given for the liberation further 1400. He contended that thus about two-thirds total inmates will soon be free. (Opposition contends at least seven camps exist, some with more than 2000 each.) He also announced that following August postponement 302 persons sentenced by People’s Courts had been pardoned and that punishment additional 401 reduced; also that relatives of persons executed by [Page 351] People’s Courts since banned provinces will be allowed return their homes.
In field of foreign affairs, Prime Minister announced original program FF remains intact. However, perhaps significance should be ascribed to fact that in yesterday’s résumé of program statement of friendship with western democracies did not trail along behind glowing words of enduring brotherly ties with “twice liberating Russia”. Instead Prime Minister spoke of close ties friendship three great Allies. He said relations with Greece not good as Greece continues to assail Bulgaria and ascribe low motives to her on every possible occasion. The Prime Minister mentioned London conference in refutation opposition’s insinuations Govt hindering just peace. He said that it was not for Bulgaria to discuss difficulties that had arisen London. Expressed pleasure our acceptance Stoichev and hope British do likewise soon.
Prime Minister dealt with term “democracy”. Said FF wants democratic order corresponding local conditions and spirit character Bulgarian people. Here he doubtless had in mind differences of concept between West and Russia that have plagued friendly relations between Russia and western democracies for so long. He declared FF had never sought Soviet form of govt for Bulgaria and that it will not do so; that what it desires is economic democracy and social justice; that individual rights and initiative will be interfered with only when they conflict with superior rights and interests of people and state. Interesting to note here that later at meeting Comrade Kolarov announced “happy news that Georgi Dimitrov will soon return Bulgaria”.
Speeches FF party leaders primarily denunciation opposition—in other words purely campaign speeches of type we have all learned to expect from Communist and Communist-dominated party leaders.
My impression yesterday’s mass meeting and opening campaign speeches is FF still remains on defensive before fact of August intervention western democracies; therefore that Govt is still anxious appear conciliatory before official and public opinion US and UK while at same time hoping Russia will be able in end convince its Western Allies that democracy does prevail Bulgaria. What FF Govt and Russia do not appear to understand is that our concept democracy demands a govt representative will of people rather than Govt claiming right to determine best interests state and people and governing accordingly.
Repeated to Moscow as No. 271.