124.693/2–2150: Telegram
The Minister in Bulgaria ( Heath ) to the Secretary of State
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260. Since cable of wireless service from here may be refused or delayed Legation phoned AmConGen Istanbul this a. m. to inform Department that Michael Shipkov, Jivka Rindova and three other Bulgarians have been arrested accused of espionage1 and suggest that Legation note announcing withdrawal of US mission from Sofia be published immediately.
[Page 522]Indictment of five Bulgarians carried in full in all Sofia papers this morning. It implicates me by name and some 16 former and present members of the mission. Foreign Office indication yesterday that Foreign Minister might receive me and statement that Assistant Foreign Minister would receive Counselor was of course, a ruse, an attempt to delay action our part until Bulgarians could produce this indictment which contains full but inaccurate story of Shipkov’s refuge in Legation and attempt to escape. Shipkov, according to indictment, was arrested, place not stated, on February 14. Approximately full text of indictment is being cabled en clair.
In view of this development will endeavor to evacuate entire staff on Orient Express leaving Sofia Friday evening February 24 if exit visas obtained. Possibly some may depart earlier if tickets visas obtained.2