874.00/11–345: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)
2298. Urtel 3718 Oct 31.91 With regard to objectives Ethridge visit to Moscow following comments our thoughts in matter may be useful as guidance: (Deptel 2251, Oct 31)92
It seems possible that a frank discussion with Molotov of situation in Bulgaria as determined by Ethridge’s independent investigations in course of which he has talked with numerous persons of all shades of opinion might contribute to a rapprochement of Soviet and US views in regard to that country. If it is pointed out to Soviets that on basis of Ethridge’s conclusion (Sofia’s tel 652, Nov 3 and previous) as things now stand conditions there are not such that we will be able to recognize and conclude a peace treaty with the present unrepresentative Govt nor a Govt resulting from the scheduled elections in which large democratic elements of the electorate will not participate, the Soviet Govt might be disposed to explore with us possible steps which could be taken in the circumstances. I cannot believe that the alternative which would seem to be the continuance for an indefinite period of the present unsettled international status of Bulgaria will appear any more desirable to the Soviets than it does to us.
In any case, even if Molotov is disinclined to go along in the matter, Ethridge’s visit might, I think, help to convince Soviets of our readiness to reach common attitude on this as on all problems in the spirit of Yalta.
As regards specific proposals that might be made, Dept feels that, after informing Molotov of Ethridge’s findings and after making clear to him that as things are now this Govt will have no course consistant with the democratic principles to which we hold but to continue to decline to recognize the present regime in Bulgaria, [Page 364] Molotov’s own suggestions as to possible steps toward the reconciliation of our respective points of view there might be invited. Any proposals he might make would be most welcome.
However, if he is unwilling to make any suggestions and takes the position that he would prefer to hear our views in the matter it might be stated in the first instance that we adhere to the position set forth in my statement of Aug 1893 that it is necessary that an interim Govt representative of all democratic elements of the electorate be formed and that elections be held in such manner that all democratic elements of the people can participate therein. We believe it is to the interest of all the Yalta powers to concert action to this end and we would suggest that those powers urge that the Bulgarians take appropriate steps immediately 1) to provide for the submission to the electorate of lists of opposition candidates, postponing the election scheduled for Nov 18, for sufficient time to accomplish this purpose, and 2) in the meantime to reorganize the Govt by the inclusion of opposition representatives. A necessary condition for the achievement of a basis for this course would appear to be the reorganization of the militia to preclude its use as an instrument of force and intimidation.
If this course is rejected by Molotov, Dept is considering and will appreciate Ethridge’s comments on possibility that in order to proceed with consideration of peace treaties in Europe we accept an arrangement whereby the Yalta powers would urge that the Bulgarian Govt be reorganized on above lines without delay and that disregarding elections of Nov 18, the Govt so formed would agree to conduct additional elections within the next few months on the basis of unhampered participation of all democratic parties. In this connection, I may say that while we have carefully considered suggestion that opposition parties rejoin the FF, Dept does not see how the reentry of these parties into the FF before Nov 18 elections could affect outcome on that occasion unless FF list of candidates could be altered to include opposition members which we understand is not possible unless elections are again postponed.
As Brit have for some time been pressing us concerning steps to be taken by Brit and US before Nov 18 election, I am informing them of contents this telegram but without suggesting they take any action at this stage.
Sent to Moscow, rptd to Sofia for Ethridge.94