874.00/11–1445: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 15—1:45 a.m.]
3859. From Ethridge. Assuming elections are held in Bulgaria on November 18 I should like to suggest the following course for the consideration of the Secretary:
That we propose to Brit and Russian Govts as Yalta powers that a joint note be sent to Bulgarian Govt making stipulations outlined below with each power reserving to itself right to take such action as it sees fit in case the terms of the proposal are not fulfilled by Bulgarian Govt:
- 1.
- Reorganization after November 18 elections of govt to include real leaders of all parties which originally adhered to Fatherland Front program of September 1944. This would necessitate neutralizing Ministries of Justice and Interior.
- 2.
- Holding of new elections in which all democratic parties will be free to participate on basis of single or separate lists as they may decide among themselves.
- 3.
- All parties participating in new elections to subscribe to general amnesty with respect to all political acts subsequent to September 1, 1944.
- 4.
- National Assembly issuing from November 18 elections to be
restricted in competence to accomplishment of following program:
- (a)
- Passage of a budget law.
- (b)
- Legalization of decree laws from September 9, 1944 to date of present agreement.
- (c)
- Voting of general amnesty set forth in paragraph 3 above.
- (d)
- Modification of electoral law as may be considered necessary by electoral committee composed of members of all democratic parties.
- (e)
- Calling new general elections for National Assembly which would then be competent to call the Grand National Assembly for revision of constitution.
- 5.
- Recognition to be accorded after formation of new govt along above lines giving pledge to holding of new election.
- 6.
- Treaty of peace with Bulgaria to be concluded as soon as possible thereafter.
Mr. Barnes collaborated in preparing draft on which these proposals were based and will no doubt give his comments from Sofia.
In view of position outlined by Vyshinski in conversation Tuesday night, and reported to the Secretary in my 3845, November 14, 1 a.m., from Moscow, that Soviet Govt does not intervene in affairs of other govts, it is highly improbable that Russia will subscribe to proposal of joint note but we are in that event free to give Bulgarian Govt our own views of what will be necessary to lay base for recognition.
It is my own feeling that even if we do not get new elections for National Assembly we will get reorganization of govt and freer basis than now exists for later elections; that we may get substantial agreement of restriction of National Assembly as outlined in proposal No. 4 and that we will get agreement to general amnesty which would greatly ease tension in Bulgaria and reassure Communists who are now afraid to relax power for fear of reprisals.
Bulgarian situation will not be quickly or easily worked out but I believe the desire for recognition and for a peace that would mean withdrawal of occupation forces to be so great that our insistence and pressure will strengthen the hands of the moderates including some of the older and more seasoned Communists who have undoubtedly worked within their own party for an end to excesses and for stability. I also feel that the firmer our position is at the moment the more we will hasten recognition and formal peace, both of which are highly desirable.
Taking into consideration fact that above proposals could not be made until after elections on November 18, Harriman and I both feel that unless Department has other ideas in connection with pre-election statement on Bulgarian situation, it is better for me to go on to Rumania after one more general conversation with Molotov or Vyshinski and leave further negotiations there with regard to Bulgaria to normal channels.
Sent Department 3859; repeated Sofia 124. [Ethridge.]