874.00/7–646: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes)
us urgent
205. Nuremberg Tribunal was established only for trial and punishment of major war criminals of European Axis. To indict further persons before Tribunal in addition to those now being tried would require agreement of prosecutors of US, USSR, UK and France. It [Page 114] is undecided whether US will participate in further international trial of war criminals after termination of present trial of Germans already indicted. Therefore, leaving aside question of whether persons referred to in urtel 519 July 6 could be considered “major war criminals” within meaning of charter of Nuremberg Tribunal, Dept, subject of course to any contrary view Secy may have, does not consider Robert son’s suggestion practicable. In our opinion desirable course in circumstances is to continue vigorous representations in Sofia.
Foregoing discussed with War Dept which before formulating its attitude would appreciate learning Secy’s reaction.
Sent Sofia rptd Paris for Secy and to Moscow London Bucharest and Budapest.