34. Telegram From Secretary of State Rusk to the Department of State1
Secto 42. USUN 1165. Bulgarian-US Relations. Fol based on uncleared memcon,3 subject revision upon review, Noforn and FYI:
- 1.
- Secretary met today with Bulgarian FonMin Bashev at latter’s initiative. Discussion of bilateral relations was in constructive and positive vein, with Bashev emphasizing his interest in concrete steps to develop relations despite difficulties which “international situation” poses (he did not mention Vietnam until Secretary raised question).
- 2.
- Bashev dwelt most of all on Bulgaria’s interest in developing exports to US. He expressed understanding that action on MFN hampered [Page 140] by present international situation and did not press this question. He said Bulgaria interested in exports to US even at financial sacrifice, and requested some further public expression US Govt approval expanded trade to facilitate Bulgarian approaches to US business firms. Bashev mentioned specifically Bulgarian desire sell tobacco and wine and purchase complete industrial plants.
- 3.
- Bashev also mentioned Bulgarian interest expanding scientific, technological, industrial exchange. He envisaged no need to sign cultural agreement, which he said might restrict rather than develop cultural relations.
- 4.
- In reply, Secretary explained present situation with regard to MFN, emphasized US interest in developing trade relations now within framework present legislation, and assured Bashev of US readiness to take specific steps to improve relations.
- 5.
- Pouching memcon.
Rusk
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL BUL–US. Confidential; Limdis. Repeated to Sofia. Rusk and Bashev were attending the U.N. General Assembly Session.↩
- Beginning in spring of 1965, the dates and transmission times of all incoming Department of State telegrams were in six-figure date-time-groups. The “Z” refers to Greenwich mean time.↩
- Memoranda of conversation are in Department of State, Central Files, POL BUL–US.↩