874.00/11–1245: Telegram
The United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 13—9:38 p.m.]
676. Petkov and Gichev have decided to make common cause against the FF, Obbov and his so-called Agrarian Party Central Committee. [Page 371] Petkov remains Secretary General Central Committee. They have addressed united declaration to all Agrarian Party members calling upon them for union in present fight for the Tirnova constitution and for personal and civil liberties. This agreement between two factions of Agrarian leadership will probably have little effect in terms of balloting on November 18. Unity within opposition cannot wipe out Communist and militia-inspired fear or effectively counteract militia and administrative intimidation. On the other hand it should go far to bolster morale of those who hope that, even if elections held November, possibility of continuing struggle against one party system will still exist. It is also believed that among the Agrarian candidates appearing on the United FF lists are many Agrarians loyal to Gichev. Should a sizeable group of these candidates withdraw from elections with [in] next few days, perhaps hands of Prime Minister and Russians will be forced in favor of second last moment election postponement. In any event substantial withdrawals would greatly embarrass Obbov.
Repeated to Moscow as No. 295.