874.00/11–3045: Telegram
The United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 3—9:37 a.m.]
727. Politically conscious Bulgarians both of FF (Fatherland Front) and opposition are keenly of opinion that US attitude toward Tito’s action on summarily proclaiming Yugo Republic yesterday27 may be straw in wind of development of US-Bulgarian relations. FF leaders are resorting to every propaganda effort possible to convince population that US cannot ignore election results here and that recognition is just around corner. I have no doubt that in his contacts with Dept, General Stoichev is reflecting this view. It would be helpful if Dept were to keep me fully informed of Stoichev’s efforts. (I hear about them frequently through British telegrams but feel that I would get more accurate picture if my source were Dept).
It will also be of considerable assistance to me if for next few days at least I could be kept informed of Dept’s reaction to developments in Yugo. In minds of local leaders yesterday’s decision was great stride toward FF objective of South Slav Union. There is no doubt in my mind about willingness present Bulgarian Govt to cede territory to Yugo federal state of Macedonia in connection plan for South Slav Union that would ultimately include Greek Macedonian territory and Western Thrace. I am also convinced local leaders see in yesterday’s decision by Yugo Parliament first important sign of new decision by Russian[s] to follow policy of “aggressive isolationism” rather than path of compromise and cooperation with western democracies.
Sent Dept as 727; rptd Moscow as 330 and to Belgrade as 18.
- See telegram 705, November 30, 2 p.m., from Belgrade, vol. v, p. 1294.↩