Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Eastern Europe; Finland; Greece; Turkey, Volume X, Part 2

33. Memorandum From Acting Secretary of State Herter to President Eisenhower⁰

Washington, August 30, 1958.

SUBJECT

• Resumption of Relations with Bulgaria¹

You will recall that on May 24, 1958 you approved NSC paper 5811/1, “United States Policy Toward the Soviet-Dominated Nations in Eastern Europe”.² This paper provides that we should seek through negotiations to reestablish diplomatic relations with Bulgaria, subject to appropriate conditions and suitable guarantees. Such action would be consistent with our general policy toward Eastern Europe, also outlined in NSC 5811/1, of further projecting United States influence in that area and would serve to demonstrate the continuity and vitality of this policy.

On December 2, 1957 the Polish Embassy, representing Bulgarian interests in the United States, approached the Department to inform us orally that the Bulgarians desired to discuss a resumption of relations.³ A reply has been delayed primarily because of third-country problems affecting Latin America. These difficulties have been resolved.

I now propose that we respond affirmatively to the Polish inquiry by indicating to the Polish Ambassador our readiness to entertain a formal Bulgarian initiative for negotiations looking toward the resumption of United States-Bulgarian relations. We would also indicate to the Poles that the basic conditions which we would require the Bulgarian Government to meet before any resumption of relations are the withdrawal of the charges made in 1950 against former Minister Heath⁴ and the receipt of assurances that the United States mission in Sofia could function normally without harassment.

I would plan to consult key Congressional leaders before replying to the Poles.

If you approve, we shall proceed with the steps outlined.

Christian A. Herter

0. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International File. Secret. The source text bears the President’s initials. A copy of this memorandum in Department of State files indicates that it was drafted by Thomas F. Hoctor of the Office of Eastern European Affairs, and initialed by Leverich, Kohler, Hoctor, and Robert M. McKisson, Officer in Charge of Balkan Affairs. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.67/8–3058)
1. On August 12, Herter telephoned Kohler to say he had “strong reservations about the question of the resumption of relations with Bulgaria.” After discussion, they decided to delay the matter until Congress adjourned. Herter suggested that meanwhile a memorandum be prepared for the President on the subject. (Memorandum of telephone conversation, August 12; Eisenhower Library, Herter Papers, telephone conversations)
2. See Part 1, Document 6.
3. A copy of the memorandum of conversation between Henryk Jaroszek, Counselor of the Polish Embassy, and Edward L. Freers, Director of the Office of Eastern European Affairs, is in Department of State, Central Files, 611.69/12–257.
4. See footnote 2, Document 31.