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

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

Sofia, April 7, 1960, 5 p.m.

69. I had about one hour’s conversation with Prime Minister Yugov afternoon April 6. Foreign Minister Lukanov was present.

I opened conversation by remarking that I felt resumption US-Bulgarian relations had been marked by understanding, friendly and cooperative attitude on both sides, that I wished to thank the Foreign Office and other Bulgarian authorities for their helpfulness in establishment our Mission here. I continued that it was my hope that this constructive beginning would be continued and that we could always have frank and friendly discussions on all problems affecting our two countries. Yugov replied by thoroughly agreeing with me and stating his desire for friendship, understanding and cooperation. After brief exchanges of good will, I stated that, although my visit was of a courtesy, and not business nature, I would like to broach two problems which concerned me.

(1) Reference Deptel 27, March 28.¹ I said that I was troubled about the Shipkov case, that I had no intention of reviving controversy regarding circumstances of the case but wished to raise matter on humanitarian grounds. I said that I felt act of clemency in releasing Shipkov, who was well remembered by US Government and public, could only react favorably to Bulgarian standing in US and would create very good impression there and, I thought, other Western countries. I endeavored to impress on Yugov that I had no intention question or interfere in domestic juridical processes in Bulgaria and was basing my approach purely on humanitarian grounds. In conclusion I asked compassionate reconsideration Shipkov case.

Yugov replied he not aware this matter and requested Lukanov look into it immediately. Lukanov said he also unaware. I gave him some facts re charges, date arrest and punishment. Yugov stated he naturally could not give me immediate answer but that matter would be reconsidered.

In thanking Yugov for his interest, I felt that I may possibly have received favorable reception to my approach. I earnestly request Department give no publicity at this time to this subject.²

(2) In thanking Bulgarians for their helpfulness in establishment US Mission Sofia I again mentioned our housing needs. He sympathetically pointed out population Sofia had over doubled in last few years and asked Lukanov’s comments. Lukanov stated large seven-story apartment house for diplomatic corps would be completed end year which should fulfill our needs and pleaded patience. Said Foreign Office doing all possible assist Legation.

Remainder conversation was in general terms on desire improve economic, cultural and other relations with US and was conducted in most friendly atmosphere. I had general impression that Yugov was somewhat of a “bourgeoisie nationalist” and a leader not fully inclined to toe Soviet line. For example, on mentioning my tour duty Soviet Union and travels that country he seemed to brush aside alleged Soviet industrial achievement with remark “we different people, we give more attention our schools, hospitals, housing and needs common mass. Industry important but improvement living conditions Bulgarian people uppermost in our minds.” He expressed desire receive information on Federal Housing Administration regulations and practices in US which I said I would obtain.

In conclusion, I feel my initial conversation Yugov may have paved way, barring Moscow censures, for possible future constructive discussions. For it is my opinion that he personally would like to see as close relations with US as is permitted under Communist criteria. I must add, however, that my feeling thus far is that Yugov is not “boss in Bulgaria”, that position having been taken over by Todor Zhivkov, a very tough 100 percent Moscow Communist.

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0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.69/4–760. Secret.
1. Telegram 27 concurred in Page’s proposal to raise informally with Yugov the Shipkov case and recommended that the approach rest primarily on humanitarian grounds. (Ibid., 611.69/3–2860) Michael (Mikhail) Shipkov was the senior Bulgarian employee of the Legation in Sofia when he was arrested and interrogated by the Bulgarian security police in August 1949. Following his release he was concealed in the Legation. Throughout the rest of that year, the Legation tried to secure permission from the Bulgarian Government for Shipkov to leave Bulgaria. Documentation on this issue is printed in Foreign Relations, 1949, vol. V, pp. 326 ff. Shipkov eventually left the Legation in early 1950 but was captured by the Bulgarian police on February 14. The Legation’s last formal communication to the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, dated February 20, 1950, is printed Ibid., 1950, vol. IV, pp. 517–525. On February 21, the Sofia press published the text of an indictment charging Shipkov and four other Bulgarian citizens with espionage and other anti-State activities. The indictment, which described the accused as agents of American intelligence, implicated 16 former and current members of the American Legation, including Minister Heath.
2. No further documentation on the results of this démarche has been found in Department of State files.