75. Telegram From Secretary of State Rogers to the Department of State 1
New York, September 29, 1972,
2055Z.
Secto 31/3579. Memorandum of Conversation: FonMin Mladenov (Bulgaria) September 27, 1972; 10:15 a.m. 30A Waldorf.
- 1.
- Participants: Bulgaria—FM Mladenov, Deputy FM and UN Perm Rep Grozev, Mr. Garvalov (Interpreter); US—The Secretary, Mr. McCloskey, Mr. Combs (Notetaker).
- 2.
- Summary: Mladenov proposed broad program for improving US-Bulgarian relations beginning with visit to US of official delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Popov. Delegation would study possibilities, primarily in economic field, and make specific proposals for further bilateral measures. Secretary Rogers responded favorably, but noted that as practical matter improved bilateral relations in specific fields such as trade and tourism required improvement in overall climate between two countries. Secretary mentioned consular convention and harassment of US Embassy employees in this regard. Action requested: Specific reply to Mladenovʼs proposal be prepared for transmittal to Mladenov prior to his departure from US October 5.2
- 3.
- FM Mladenov led off by proposing major improvement in US-Bulgarian relations in all fields. In commercial area, Bulgaria has many exports to offer including cigarettes, wine and electric trucks. Mladenov suggested that all limitations on trade be lifted by each side and that trade agreement providing MFN be signed. He also suggested maritime agreement and arbitration agreement, to be following by discussion of mutual credit arrangements and joint economic ventures. Steps should also be taken to increase scientific and technical cooperation, tourism, exchanges of expert delegations and athletic teams.
- 4.
- As first step, Mladenov proposed that US receive official Bulgarian delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Machine Building Professor Ivan Popov. Delegation would study possibilities at first hand and then make further concrete proposals.
- 5.
- Secretary Rogers said US welcomed improved relations with Bulgaria, in line with President Nixonʼs worldwide policy of building structure of peace and mutual understanding. Our experience showed that for meaningful improvement in specific fields, particularly in [Page 200] commercial and tourism areas, it important to improve general political climate. In principle we favored Bulgarian proposal to send exploratory delegation although we would have to look into timing of delegationʼs visit. We will give thought to how visit should best be set up and will be back in touch with Bulgarian side.
- 6.
- We very much favored exchanges in scientific, cultural, athletic and other fields and were prepared to discuss this further with Bulgarians at any time, Secretary continued. We also favored increased tourism, although this of course depended largely on individual US tourists.
- 7.
- But in discussing improvement in political climate, specific problems should be mentioned, Secretary noted. For example, US had submitted proposal for US-Bulgarian consular convention and was awaiting Bulgarian response. Agreement on consular convention would in our view be important step toward enhanced commerce and tourism. We had reports of harassment of US Embassy employees in Sofia; this was unfortunate irritant in our relations that surely could be rectified. So let us begin today with agreement to work for better climate, to eliminate irritations, to take concrete steps to improve mutual relations.
- 8.
- Mladenov agreed fully. He undertook personally to look into status of consular convention. He agreed that political climate should be improved but noted that of course Bulgaria had its own view of matter. He did not want to dwell on VOA broadcasts to Bulgaria or on annual US campaign regarding enslaved nations. Main thing was to start to improve situation; Bulgarian side evaluated todayʼs meeting in that light and felt meeting was extremely useful. Secretary Rogers agreed.
- 9.
- As meeting ended, Mladenov said this was his first visit to US and unfortunately he would have to spend entire stay in New York. He plans to leave October 5. Next year he hoped to visit Washington and, if US agrees, he would like to travel to other parts of US.
- 10.
- After meeting, Secretary told McCloskey and Combs he wished to give Mladenov specific answer regarding visit of Bulgarian delegation prior to Mladenovʼs October 5 departure. Public statement could then be made concerning this development.
Rogers