740.00119 E.W./11–844
The Director of the Civil Affairs Division, War Department ( Hilldring ) to the Assistant Secretary of State ( Acheson )
Dear Mr. Acheson: The Bulgarian Armistice terms, published in JCS 921/11, contain a protocol which provides:
“In connection with Article IX it is understood that the Bulgarian Government will immediately make available certain foodstuffs for the relief of the population of Greek and Yugoslav territories which have suffered as a result of Bulgarian aggression. The quantity of each product to be delivered will be determined by agreement between the three governments, and will be considered as part of the reparation by Bulgaria for the loss and damage sustained by Greece and Yugoslavia.”
You are aware that normally Bulgaria is a net exporter of considerable quantities of foodstuffs. It would obviously be of considerable advantage from an Allied shipping and supply standpoint, if Bulgarian food surpluses were made available as soon as possible for civilian relief in Greece and Yugoslavia in accordance with the intention of the protocol to the Armistice Terms.
I therefore urge upon the State Department the desirability of effectuating the protocol provision. I should appreciate advice from the State Department concerning the steps being taken in this direction as well as information as to items and quantities of foodstuffs which may be supplied by Bulgaria for this purpose.
Sincerely yours,
Major General