740.00119 E.A.C./9–1244: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
7492. Reurtel 7503 September 12. Pending clearance by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Department has the following tentative comments on the proposals presented to the EAC by the Russian representative with regard to the Bulgarian armistice terms.
While the Department agrees that the signature of the armistice terms by a Soviet general is not illogical, in view of the development of military operations, it wishes to give this important matter further consideration particularly in the light of such views as the Joint Chiefs of Staff may formulate. These same considerations apply to the proposal that the Control Commission be placed under the general direction of the Soviet High Command.
The Department also wishes to give further consideration to the proposal in articles I, V and XI of the Russian terms that Bulgaria be granted a status of cobelligerency. It is noted that under the new article I Bulgarian forces are to be used only against Germany and her satellites. Nevertheless, in view of the apprehension which this provision is likely to arouse among neighboring United Nations, and in particular Greece, it may be advisable, on political grounds, to insert a clause restricting the number of Bulgarian divisions to be used, delimiting the area of their operations, and providing for the demobilization and disarmament of the remaining troops.
The Department believes that Ankara would be the most suitable place for the armistice discussions.
The Department finds no objection to the Soviet versions of articles III, IV, VI, VIII, IX, XII, XIII and the six additional articles.
[Page 420]With regard to the discussion which arose in the EAC over articles VII and X, the Department understands that there was no disagreement as to substance, and supposes that the necessary adjustments can best be made in the EAC.
The following changes in phraseology are recommended:
- A.
- In the preamble, the words “at war with Bulgaria” should be inserted after the words “all the United Nations,” as it is supposed that it was not intended to include those members of the United Nations which are not at war with Bulgaria.
- B.
- Even more in the case of the Bulgarian terms than in that of the Rumanian terms the Department believes that the words “and, in particular, to the Soviet Union,” should be omitted, since it is believed the term “United Nations” should adequately meet the Soviet requirements in this regard.
You will receive final instructions upon receipt of the views of the Joint Chiefs.