740.00119 EAC/9–1644: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 16—1:55 p.m.]
7654. Comea 88. My 7630, September 15, midnight, Comea 87. A divergence has emerged from yesterday’s EAC discussion of Bulgarian armistice terms in the question of consultation with the smaller United Nations prior to presenting the terms for Bulgarian signature. The British-American draft provides for signature “on behalf of all the United Nations Governments at war with Bulgaria.” This phrase if accepted would mean that the three principal Governments would consult the Yugoslav, Greek, Czechoslovak, Haitian and Nicaraguan Governments, would ask their approval of the terms and would receive authority to sign on their behalf. The Soviet draft, on the other hand, states that the terms are presented by the three Governments “acting in the interests of all the United Nations.” This phrase, which is similar to the one used in the German surrender instrument,83 implies clearly that the three Governments will not consult the smaller Allies, ask their approval of the terms or request authority to sign on their behalf. In view of this divergence between the British and, Soviet positions, I refrained yesterday from taking an explicit position and should appreciate learning the further views of the Department.