711.74/10–948: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Minister in Bulgaria (Heath)
49. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kolarov1 called on me this morning. He said that his visit was prompted by contrast of “very friendly” [Page 381] relations between Bulgaria and US during past few years as opposed to “very severe” language of memo delivered to Bulgarian Government three weeks ago.2
I answered that matters pertaining to this diplomatic exchange could only be discussed through channels with State Department. Thereupon Kolarov insisted that at least USUN delegation must know American position concerning Bulgarian admittance to UN.3 I said we had been opposed to Bulgaria’s candidacy and continued to oppose it because Bulgaria could not successfully stand basic tests of Charter to-wit: Is Bulgaria truly a peace loving and independent state?
Kolarov then dwelt on peace loving character of Bulgarian people (at no time did he use word government) as well as on Bulgarian independence. He expressed belief that American position was basically determined by internal conditions prevailing in Bulgaria and asked whether this was not so. I answered that this was kind of question which could not be met by a “yes” or “no” answer, and that it was not habit of US to interfere in other nation’s domestic affairs. I then stressed Bulgaria’s aggressiveness on Greek border.
Kolarov closed by claim BalCom findings based on prejudiced and partial testimony, etc. and pledged that should Bulgaria be admitted to UN it would then faithfully subscribe to Charter obligations and comply with UN decisions as well as cooperate with all UN agencies and commissions.
This rather full summary of brief conversation dispatched in view possibility Kolarov may attempt distort conversation for use within Bulgarian and Soviet sphere.
Petzeff4 informs O’Donoghue5 Bulgarians here for forthcoming debate on Greek border.
Sent Sofia 49 for Heath, repeated Department 5296.
- Ambassador Austin and Foreign Minister Kolarov were in Paris for the Third Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly.↩
- Regarding the aide-mémoire of September 23, 1948, from Minister Heath to Foreign Minister Kolarov, see telegram 1203, September 23, and footnote 1, p. 375.↩
- For documentation on the United States policy with reference to the admission of new members into the United Nations Organization, see volume i .↩
- Stoyan Petzeff (Pecheff), Assistant Press Attaché in the Bulgarian Legation at Paris.↩
- Sidney E. O’Donoghue, Counselor of Legation in Sofia serving with the United States Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly.↩