740.00119 Council/10–946: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at the Paris Peace Conference
us urgent
5412. Secdel 1084. For Matthews from Hickerson. Aide-mémoire from Brit Emb states in substance that Brit Govt considers it most important conclude peace treaty with Bulg soon as possible; that therefore question recognition Bulg Govt becomes matter immediate [Page 153] concern; that it is evident Bulgarians have no intention carrying out assurances given US Govt by Bulg PriMin concerning holding free elections; that as result US-Bulg talks in Paris Brit Govt assumes no serious modifications in Bulg Govts present policy can be expected and that Bulg Communists will not be deflected from present policy of establishing and entrenching by all possible means Communist regime prior to withdrawal Russian forces from Bulg; that if peace treaty is to be brought into force in near future Brit Govt sees no alternative but recognize present Govt or similar one controlled by Communist no matter how unsatisfactory such course may be; that Brit Govt considers it technically possible to sign peace treaty with unrecognized Govt but recognition would have to be accorded before treaty could be ratified; that in circumstances Brit Govt considers it best to recognize Bulg Govt when peace treaty is signed; that in doing this Brit Govt would favor declaration to effect that recognition was purely formal step which did not imply that Brit Govt condoned undemocratic and terroristic activities Bulg Govt; that Brit Govt would add that recognition was being accorded purely to make possible termination artificial state of war; that UK and US Dels Paris have discussed suggestions that UK and US mil missions Bulg should be withdrawn after signature of treaty; that chiefs mil missions feel their present position is embarrassing since they are forced to witness and, by their presence on ACC, condone to some extent terroristic activities present Govt without being able modify latter’s policy; that while sympathizing with mil missions’ points of view, Brit Govt strongly opposes withdrawal missions from Bulg until peace treaty enters into force; and that Brit Emb is instructed inform Dept views outlined above and to ask Dept for early expression US Govt attitude.
We pointed out that we would of course have to refer inquiry so closely connected with peace treaties to Secy before giving US position and suggested Brit might find most expeditious procedure be for them discuss proposal in Paris. However, London’s 8690 Oct 8 (rptd Paris 757)82 states Bevin will not have opportunity discuss Paris and Brit Emb now indicates FonOff desires comment from here. We will accordingly appreciate anything you can give us as to Secy’s thinking in matter.
In this connection I presume you will also let us know if Secy wants us to take any action (Sofia’s Delsec 280 Oct 7)82 re publication correspondence concerning our recent démarche to ACC Bulg and Secy’s letter to Bulg PriMin. [Hickerson.]
Sent Paris rptd Sofia and London.