874.00/11–2445: Telegram
The United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:25 p.m.]
715. Govt leaders and press continue to stress “complete victory” for FF and “freest and most popularly supported elections” in Bulgarian history. Opposition leaders and press charge wholesale election frauds in addition to pre-election threats of reprisals that forced [Page 393] populace to polls against will to vote contrary to political convictions. Opposition cites election figures for some towns and villages where Govt has claimed smashing victory which figures show as high as 70% of registered voters against FF. Opposition also points accusing finger at Govt for its inability or unwillingness to date to reveal precinct returns. Only regional returns have been announced. No doubt this dispute over figures will go on interminably. The important fact to note is that pre-election intimidation did create such an atmosphere that free expression of people’s will was impossible and “victory” assured for Govt.
Council of Ministers meets today to make final arrangements for convening Parliament as anticipated about Dec 15.
Repeated to Moscow as 322.