740.00119 Control Bulgaria/12–1344: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the American Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes)
16. Reurtel 24, December 13, 3 p.m. The Department is prepared to make appropriate representations to Moscow but the reports as yet received from the field do not warrant an approach along the lines of Mr. Eden’s note. Thus far our information on points which would justify such representations has for the most part been received from British sources or relates to treatment accorded British representatives.
In particular, information is desired on the following points:
- 1)
- Issuance by Soviet authorities of orders purporting to come from ACC, on which there was in fact no advance consultation with American and British representatives. Thus far we have received information, for example, on Beresov’s order to Fatherland Front to rescind decision to reintegrate personnel into army (Reurtel 12, December 8, 3 p.m.) and his order prohibiting the entry of British and American military and civilian personnel without prior Soviet authority (reported by Caserta December 8). We feel that this practice is unwarranted, but wish to be informed of other incidents, if any.
- 2)
- Suggested limitation in number of personnel on ACC. On this we have only Crane’s report of the first ACC meeting, which merely refers to a discussion of the matter. We are not prepared to take action unless we expect to be denied the right to bring in needed personnel.
- 3)
- Limitations on Bulgarian funds for the expenses of American representatives. Again the only report is contained in Crane’s account of the first meeting and mentions merely a discussion of the question.
- 4)
- Requirement of clearance from Moscow for each Allied aircraft landing in Bulgaria. We are prepared to protest this ruling, but first wish to have some tangible evidence of serious delay or inconvenience suffered by our personnel as a consequence thereof.
- 5)
- Restrictions on movements of Allied representatives. It does not appear that our representatives have been restricted in their movements in Sofia and environs. Please advise whether it would be satisfactory if an arrangement were made to submit in advance to the Soviet military authorities itineraries for our provincial travel, with the stipulation that our people should not normally be accompanied by Soviet liaison officers. We assume that the restrictions apply to Crane’s staff, rather than to your mission.
We realize that these are vexing problems which require serious attention, bearing in mind that any representations must have a convincing factual basis and must come within the meaning and intent of the Armistice terms. The precedents established in the Italian theater must also be kept in mind, though they are not entirely parallel.
Sent to Sofia, repeated to Bucharest and Moscow.