277. Memorandum of a Conversation Between the Counselor of the Polish Embassy (Jaroszek) and the Director of the Office of Eastern European Affairs (Freers), Department of State, Washington, December 2, 19571

SUBJECT

  • Resumption of U.S.-Bulgarian Diplomatic Relations

Mr. Jaroszek called at his request to inquire about the United States attitude toward the resumption of U.S.-Bulgarian diplomatic relations. With a reminder that Poland was charged with the care of Bulgarian interests in the United States, he referred to conversations concerning the resumption of relations which have taken place in [Page 699] Paris and at the United Nations,2 and stated that the Bulgarian Government had asked the Poles to approach the State Department officially to inquire about our position on this matter. Mr. Jaroszek further stated that since considerable time had elapsed since the question was first raised, the Bulgarians would like to receive some official answer. Mr. Freers stated that there has been no change in our official position, that we had no relations with Bulgaria, and have made no decision to work toward resumption of relations. He said that some change had been made in our passport validation policy, as Mr. Jaroszek was aware. He said that the question of our relations with Bulgaria was under continuous review. The Polish approach on behalf of the Bulgarians would be considered, and an appropriate response made in due course.

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.69/12–257. Confidential. Drafted by Freers and Sherer.
  2. The Bulgarian Permanent Representative at the United Nations called on Lodge on April 23, 1956, and expressed several times Bulgaria’s desire to resume relations with the United States. (Telegram 879 from USUN, April 23, 1956; ibid., 611.69/4–2356)