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

740.00119 Counci1/8–746: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris

top secret

Washington, August 7, 1946—8 p.m.

3924. Secdel 619. For Secretary and Matthews. Subject your approval recommend following action be taken re Sofia’s 146 (603 Aug 3 to Dept). Safety of Queen Mother and her children has also been subject of approach to Leg Cairo by her father, ex-King Victor Emmanuel, and other family mernbers.⁶⁰

Barnes should (1) remind PriMin Georgiev of assurances latter gave in 1945 that royal family’s safety is matter of “national honor”; (2) express our apprehension that, owing to present circumstances and the possibility that popular feeling may become unduly inflamed during referendum, the danger that irresponsible elements may threaten family’s safety is in some respects more acute than in 1945; (3) inquire what specific measures Bulgarian Govt has taken to assure family’s safety and to enable it to leave Bulgaria for such destination as Queen might wish at such time (either before or after referendum) as Queen Mother may desire, pointing out that as prerogatives are exercised by Regents departure before referendum would have no constitutional effect; and (4) inform PriMin of our view that Bulgarian national honor would drop precipitately in eyes of civilized world should harm come to family. We believe Brit FonOff should be informed that we would welcome a similar approach to Georgiev by Houston-Boswell but we do not think that proposed action by Barnes should be made contingent upon or deferred for Brit concurrence.

Similarly Robertson should be asked to approach Biryusov, preferably with Oxley, informally along lines outlined in points (2) and (3) above and add that, as Bulgaria is an occupied country, world will hold ACC powers—particularly USSR—responsible for any failure to afford adequate protection to mother and two children.

Willingness of Bulgarian and Soviet authorities to permit departure of royal family might be influenced by Queen Mother’s willingness to issue public statement accepting referendum results and if Barnes and Robertson were in position to cite such willingness, the prospects for success might be materially improved. Consequently, while Barnes should not of course, urge Queen Mother to commit herself, it might be helpful if he were to ascertain her attitude re this question.

If you approve foregoing we will so instruct Sofia and London.⁶¹

Acheson

60. The approach referred to here was reported in telegram 1307, August 2, 1946, from Cairo (874.0011/8—246). The former Italian king was living in exile in Egypt.
61. Telegram 252, August 10, 1946, to Sofia, which repeated the text of this message, Stated that the Secretary had approved the recommended course of action set forth here provided Barnes’ approach to Prime Minister Georgiev was made on an informal basis (740.00119 Council/8–946).