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

874.00/6–2946: Telegram

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

top secret
us urgent

Sofia, June 29, 1946—1 p.m.
[Received 7:50 p.m.]

499. General Robertson has just sent following estimate Bulgarian political situation to JCS:

(1) “Purpose of Colonel General Biryusov’s return to Sofia²⁰ becoming increasingly evident. Was occasioned by personal visit to Moscow of Georgi Dimitrov who asked for help. Tolbukhin also now present in Sofia.”

(2) “Twenty-eight June decree was signed authorizing elevation of Commissars (political officers) to positions above grades of Colonels placing complete administration of army in hands of combined Ministers (Council of Ministers) also including other provisions which will permit and facilitate purge of Bulgarian Army of all ranks. Such a purge is expected to be inaugurated quickly and thoroughly.”

(3) “Recent conflict within Government between Zveno and Communist Parties has been on above subject. Communists have definitely won. Loyalty of Army to Zveno Party and to vital interests of Bulgaria has been outstanding obstacle in path of Communists. Control of Army by Veltchev with constant threat of coup d’état has been major local restraining influence. Immediate future of Zveno Party conjectural but believed that Party will attempt to remain within Government as most effective immediate course even with teeth pulled. It is expected, however, that strong effort to force out Veltchev, Minister of War, and Kulishev, Foreign Minister, will be made and will be accomplished. Position of PriMin Georgiev conjectural but thought that he is completely under control of Communists and will remain in Government to create impression of coalition.

(4) “I personally talked at length with N. Petkov opposition leader last night. He believes only possible method of salvaging situation is for US and UK to bring sufficient pressure on USSR to implement Moscow Agreement. Opposition will join Government provided it is given post of Minister of Justice and two assistant ministerial posts in Interior. This is minimum that opposition can accept as it provides minimum guarantee of subsequent free elections. While Petkov believes above action only present salvation, he does not think USSR will agree except under great pressure. Local feeling very depressed as it is felt that withdrawal of USSR armed forces from Bulgaria will have no influence on local situation as Communists control of Bulgarian Army, militia and political posts will be assured complete freedom of action dominating without recourse a suppressed majority of population. Failure of Paris Conference may be expected to result in early rigged election of Grand National Assembly and creation of a Republic. Strong and persistent rumor is that next succeeding step will be creation of a Pan-Slavic Balkan union with Albania, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria as a nucleus. Mr. Barnes has seen and concurs fully’ in this estimate.”

Mytel 86, repeated Dept as 498, today’s date,²¹ should be read in connection with foregoing.

Sent Paris (for the Secretary) as 87, repeated Dept as 499.

Barnes

20. Telegram 471, June 22, 1946, from Sofia, reported that Colonel General Biryuzov had returned to Sofia on June 21 as “Deputy Commander in Chief Third Ukrainian Front, Commander Soviet troops in Bulgaria and Deputy President of the ACC Bulgaria.” (874.00/6–2246)
21. Not printed; it listed Petkov’s minimum conditions for a compromise with the Bulgarian Government: 1) Ministry of Justice to the Opposition; 2) two Assistant Ministers of Interior to the Opposition; 3) a fixed date for early and free elections; 4) amnesty for leading political leaders (874.00/6–2946).