874.00/8–2545: Telegram
The United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 25—10:30 a.m.]
475. Following official texts published all press this morning:
1. Official communiqué of Bulgarian Govt August 25:
“The Govt, taking under serious advisement the notes of England and US communicating the views of their respective Foreign Ministers, has sounded the ACC (Allied Control Commission), which in its communication of today’s date recommends to the Bulgarian Govt that, in view of its desire to facilitate and expedite the conclusion of peace, it postpone the scheduled elections. Taking under advisement this recommendation and in its desire to avoid the apprehensive [apprehension] expressed regarding the preparation and conduct of the elections the Govt has decided to postpone the elections until a later date.”
2. Note of Bulgarian MinForAff to General Biryusov August 24:
“In corroboration of the oral démarche which I made in person before the ACC (Allied Control Commission) I directed to you today a note in the name of the Bulgarian Govt.
The Bulgarian Govt desires to conclude as soon as possible a treaty of peace with the Soviet Union, United States and Great Britain in accordance with decisions taken at Potsdam and to obtain the assistance of the three great powers for the rehabilitation of the country and for its acceptance into the family of freedom loving peoples.
It is most seriously concerned by the recommendations made to it in this connection by Mr. Byrnes, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United States, and by Mr. Bevin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Great Britain, which were expressed in the notes recently sent to us.
[Page 311]If the ACC (Allied Control Commission) likewise considers that a postponement of the elections would be a contribution to hastening the conclusion of peace, the Bulgarian Govt declares that it is prepared to comply with such a recommendation.”
3. Reply Deputy President ACC (Allied Control Commission) August 24:
“In reply to your note of August 24 concerning the desire of the Bulgarian Govt to postpone the Parliamentary elections I have the honor to inform you that ACC (Allied Control Commission) of Bulgaria considers it possible to recommend to the Bulgarian Government that it postpone its Parliamentary elections until a later date.”
Repeated to Moscow as 246.