Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, Eastern Europe, The Soviet Union, Volume VI

874.00/1–346: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes)

secret

Washington, January 12, 1946—10 a.m.

10. For Barnes. Reurtel 9 Jan. 3⁵ and related messages. For your own background information during the discussions at Moscow Molotov⁶ and Stalin took the line that the Soviet Govt would agree to no proposal in regard to Bulgaria which would not accept the results of the Bulgarian elections and that there could be no question of a reorganization of the Govt which is responsible to the National Assembly. However, Stalin subsequently suggested that perhaps the Assembly could be advised to include some members of a loyal opposition in the Govt. Accordingly, after considerable discussion and serious consideration by the US Delegation as to whether it would be preferable to reach agreement in this manner or to make no agreement in regard to Bulgaria, and considering the larger issues involved and overall relationships the text as given in the Conference communiqué was finally agreed. In course of these discussions question of neutralization of Ministry of Interior was raised but the Soviets were intransigent in that connection.

It should be noted that it was understood that the Brit and US Govts reserve to themselves the right to determine at what point they shall become convinced that the advice of the Soviet Govt has been accepted by the Bulgarian Govt and recognition shall consequently take place. Thus recognition is not to be automatic upon the inclusion of any two additional members in the Govt and will not follow unless the individuals selected, in our opinion, meet the two conditions specified. The determination that the conditions have been met to our satisfaction will, as indicated by the President,⁷ be for us to decide. On the other hand, it is anticipated that the opposition will on their part make a sincere effort to assist in good faith in the implementation of the agreement as concluded.

Acheson

5. Not printed; in it Barnes expressed his chagrin at not having been informed by the Department regarding the discussions on Bulgaria at the Moscow Conference of Foreign Ministers (874.00/1–346).
6. Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov, People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union; after March 15, 1946, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
7. At his press conference on January 8, 1946, President Truman said that the Bulgarian Government would not be recognized without guarantees of free and unfettered elections; see Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Harry S. Truman, 1946 (Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1962), p. 10.