874.00/8–2845: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes)
287. In the event Gen Biryusov desires continuance tripartite ACC consideration of election matters, you should ask Gen Crane to take part (urtel 483, Aug. 28). However, while Dept agrees with British that postponement of elections is not of itself assurance that democratic processes will be followed in future in Bulgaria, we feel that moral effect of postponement not only in Bulgaria but also throughout Balkans will contribute greatly toward development of events in that direction and we consequently are anxious that no subsequent [Page 317] steps be taken which might detract from that victory. Accordingly, we believe great caution will have to be exercised in conduct of further discussions and we will wish to be consulted before Gen Crane makes any specific proposals or agrees to any Soviet or British suggestions or proposals which might constitute or lead to commitments on behalf of this Govt.