Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XX, Eastern Europe

83. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Bulgaria¹

Washington, June 16, 1977, 2218Z

140379. Subject: Zhivkova Call on Acting Secretary Christopher.

1. Mme Zhikova, accompanied by Ambassadors Popov and Damyanov and interpreter, called on Acting Secretary June 15 for half hour discussion. Bulgarian TV crew filmed her arrival and the first few minutes of meeting.

2. Following usual courtesies, the Acting Secretary expressed pleasure over presence in New York of Thracian exhibit and signing of Cultural/Scientific Exchanges Agreement. He hoped that these events would presage more exhibits and exchanges, not only in the cultural but also the scientific field. Zhikova responded that the Bulgarian side was also gratified by the exhibit and signing. She pointed out that from her viewpoint the exhibit opening and the agreement signing were not pure coincidence, and expressed hope that future exchanges will maintain the same high moral and spiritual standards as symbolized by the Thracian treasures exhibit.

3. The Acting Secretary expressed USG appreciation to the GOB for its assistance in resolving divided families cases. He noted that the reunification of families has not only personal importance to the individuals involved but symbolic importance for our bilateral relations. The Acting Secretary specifically expressed thanks for the resolution of the difficult Marev case.² Zhivkova stated that she was happy to note the positive development of US-Bulgarian relations in recent years. She was certain that relations will continue to follow an ascending line, and stated that we have a duty as nations to compensate for what has been missed in bilateral relations thus far. The Acting Secretary assured her that the US would do what it could to improve relations.

4. The Acting Secretary broached East-West relations, noting that the US is actively working on detente with the USSR, which has importance for the atmosphere of US-Eastern European, and specifically US-Bulgarian, relations. He expressed hope for progress in relations with Moscow. Zhivkova agreed that a working relationship between the superpowers is the only reasonable alternative and will define the world’s future. She said she rejected the notion advanced by “some specialists” that by curbing arms and military technology we curb the development of science. She emphasized that human progress can be a reality only when all resources are focussed on the development of humanity in general and the “individual” in particular.

5. Ambassador Popov interjected a question about MFN.³ The Acting Secretary noted that he had no news to report on MFN front, but pointed out that overall developments, and improving relations, can facilitate progress in that field also. He added that the MFN issue is rooted in the administration’s relations with Congress. Zhivkova noted her belief that intensified cultural relations will lead to improved relations in other areas as well.

6. The Acting Secretary agreed that an exchange of peoples and ideas can influence commercial ties. In that regard, he noted that he may attend the main Belgrade Conference on CSCE follow-up. He explained that the US attaches great importance to implementation of the Final Act, and gives equal weight to each of the Baskets. The US has no intention of provoking a confrontation and does not wish to put any one “in the dock” in Belgrade, but seeks a careful review and assessment of progress under the Final Act. He hoped that the GOB would regard the approach as constructive. Zhivkova stated that the GOB would make a statement at Belgrade on the importance of examining all three Baskets. She noted that the Third Basket now seemed the most “popular”, but asserted that “Basket Three will remain empty if Basket One and Two are not filled.”

7. Zhivkova ended discussion by extending her gratitude for the hospitality and attention which she and her delegation had received.⁴ She noted that regardless of the brevity of her visit she has a sufficient impression of the US to know that she will continue to work towards improved relations. Acting Secretary expressed US pleasure over the visit, passed Secretary Vance’s greetings to Zhivkova, and said that both he and the Secretary appreciate the real contribution Zhivkova has made to US-Bulgarian relations.

Christopher

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770216–0295. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Brown; cleared by Andrews; approved by Oxman.
2. In 1967, Spas Iordanov Marev and his wife, Ivanka Atanasova Mareva, defected while on vacation in Istanbul, leaving behind two daughters, ages 1 and 3. After making their way to the United States, the Marevs petitioned the Bulgarian Government repeatedly to allow the children to join them but their requests were denied. In August 1976, the Marevs began a public protest in front of the Department of State demanding the reunification of their family. (Telegram 201670 to Sofia, August 13, 1976; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760313–0543). On February 16, Christopher met with Bulgarian Ambassador to the United States Popov and stressed the importance of resolving the Marev case quickly. Given the “interest to both Secretary Vance and himself” in the case, Christopher told Popov that a “very heavy burden would be placed on US-Bulgarian relations if this case continued.” (Telegram 38061 to Sofia, February 18; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770060–0003) The imminent visit of Lyudmila Zhivkova added additional pressure, and the Bulgarian Government agreed to allow the children to emigrate by the end of May. (Telegram 1144 from Sofia, May 31; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770193–0336; telegram 1223 from Sofia, June 7; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770202–0751; and telegram 1316 from Sofia, June 17; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770216–1183)
3. While Poland, Romania, and Yugoslavia all enjoyed MFN status, Bulgaria’s prospects were dim. PD–21, which expanded the differentiation to include internal liberalization (thus allowing for the extension of MFN status to Hungary) placed Bulgaria, together with Czechoslovakia and the German Democratic Republic, among the countries where no favorable trade benefits would be extended until concrete steps toward a more independent foreign or domestic policy were undertaken. See Document 16.
4. Setting up Zhivkova’s visit presented the Department with the challenge of finding an appropriate host, given her official cabinet-level position of Director of the Committee of Art and Culture and her unofficial status as daughter of Todor Zhivkov. (Telegram 289982 to Sofia, November 26, 1976; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760440–0718) In telegram 760 from Sofia, April 13, the Embassy cautioned that failing to find an appropriate host would turn the prospective visit “from an asset in our relations to a liability.” “Without wishing to be alarmist” the Embassy continued, “there exists potential for a needlessly embarrassing incident if Mrs. Zhivkova were to decline the invitation to come to Washington from New York because of the manner in which we had ‘invited’ her without taking into account her status in the power structure of her country.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770129–0473) On May 6, the Department informed the Embassy that Nancy Hanks, Chairwoman of the National Endowment for the Arts, would act as the official host, and that Mrs. Mondale was prepared to receive Zhivkova at the White House. (Telegram 104082 to Sofia, May 6; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770160–0424)