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

38. Telegram From the Legation in Bulgaria to the Department of State⁰

Sofia, March 14, 1960, 4 p.m.

48. Pass USIA. In colorful ceremony at Bulgarian National Assembly in Sofia today, Monday, Minister Edward Page Jr., presented his credentials to President Dimitur Ganev, marking formal resumption diplomatic relations between US and Bulgaria after lapse ten years.¹

Several thousands Bulgarian citizens quickly gathered in Assembly Square by time cavalcade automobiles headed by open touring car in which sat Minister Page and Director of Protocol of Bulgarian Foreign Office Jordan Stefanov arrived in front National Assembly building shortly before 11 o’clock (0400 hours East) this morning.

After band had played national anthems of two countries, American Minister in formal attire reviewed honor guard Bulgarian soldiers with fixed bayonets in Assembly Square. Soldiers were resplendent in uniform of scarlet tunic crossed in front with white braid, wearing silver helmets and blue trousers tucked into black boots. Members Legation staff and their families stood nearby and watched brilliant ceremony as did large crowd spectators massed in Square and crowded at windows and roof tops of buildings fronting on Square.

In presentation room of National Assembly, Minister Page met Mister Ganev, who is Chairman of Presidium of National Assembly; Foreign Minister Karlo Lukanov, Secretary of Presidium T Daskalov and cabinet chief Lyuben Damyanov.

“It is my hope that this occasion, which marks the full resumption of diplomatic relations between United States and Bulgaria, will inaugurate a new and constructive phase in the relationship between our two countries,” declared Minister Page. He said he would endeavor to strengthen ties of friendship between the two peoples and to develop and broaden interchanges in cultural, economic and other fields.

In his response, Mister Ganev said his Government is looking forward to improvement of economic and cultural relations with US.

After completion remarks by 61 year old President Ganev, American Envoy then introduced him to Counselor of Legation Charles G. Stefan, Colonel George Markovich, Air Attaché, and other officers of Legation staff. After Minister was introduced to Bulgarian officials, Mister Ganev and Minister Page withdrew to adjoining room for brief talk and refreshments.

On leaving National Assembly, Minister stopped in front of guard of honor and called out “dovizhdane voynitsi” (goodbye soldiers). Troops responded spiritedly “dovizhdane gospodin Minister” followed by prolonged cry “hurrah” which lasted without break until American delegation departed from Square.

Minister Page, accompanied by Mister Stefanov, Mister Damyanov, Mister Christo Kolev of Protocol Office and Legation officers went to Minister’s residence for reception. Mrs. Page was hostess to party aided by wives of Legation officers.

Earlier in day large crowd stood in front newly refurbished eight-story Legation building at one Stambolisky Boulevard in downtown Sofia and watched as American flag for first time was broken out and fluttered smartly from flag pole.

After reception at residence Minister returned to Legation and with his wife and staff watched while Legation seal was nailed above building’s entrance.

(Pickup advance text Page presentation statement.² Will file soonest when available full text remarks by President Ganev.³ Only American press coverage was Life photographer but strong turnout Bulgarian newsreel, press photographers and reporters. Pouching Legation film of ceremony to IPS today. Please pouch SEF wireless file including back issues commencing March 7 and thereafter until wireless bulletin receiver installed and functioning.)⁴

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0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.69/3–1460. Official Use Only; Priority.
1. Page’s appointment as Minister to Bulgaria was announced on November 23. (Memorandum from Herter to Eisenhower, November 13; Ibid., 123–Page, Edward, Jr.) Page arrived in Sofia on March 7 where he was met by Counselor-designate Charles G. Stefan who had arrived in Sovia prior to Page. (Telegram 43 from Sofia, March 7; Ibid., 611.69/3–760)
2. Text of Page’s presentation statement has not been found in Department of State files.
3. Text of Ganev’s remarks has not been found in Department of State files.
4. For text of the Department of State press release announcing the resumption of U.S.-Bulgarian diplomatic relations on March 14, see Department of State Bulletin, April 4, 1960, p. 542.