740.00119 EAC/10–1744: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 17—4:20 p.m.]
8839. My 8651, October 12, 8 [9] p.m. On receipt of Eden’s message concerning Bulgarian armistice terms, I took the liberty of asking [Page 462] the Foreign Office to cable him that the redraft of article XVIII in the form in which he had reported it would not be acceptable to the U.S. delegation. The new draft of the armistice terms and protocol has just reached us. We understand the Foreign Office is cabling full text to Embassy in Washington, but I repeat article XVIII for confirmation:
“For the whole period of the armistice there will be established an Allied Control Commission in Bulgaria which will regulate and supervise the execution of the armistice terms under the chairmanship of a representative of the Allied (Soviet) High Command and with the participation of representatives of the UK and U.S. During the period between the entry into force of the armistice and the conclusion of hostilities against Germany, Allied Control Commission will be under the general direction of the Allied (Soviet) High Command.”
We believe this new draft covers the main issue involved and is acceptable, in accordance with Department’s 8526, October 14, midnight.
The general powers clause included in U.S. article XVIII has been omitted, but a new article I (d) has been inserted to provide for later demobilization of Bulgarian forces: “conclusion of hostilities against Germany, the Bulgarian Armed Forces must be demobilized and put on a peace footing under supervision of the Allied Control Commission.”
The wording of the preamble refers to the three Governments “acting on behalf of all the United Nations at war with Bulgaria.” Previously we have assumed that the words “on behalf of” could be used only if the armistice were shown to and approved by those other United Nations at war with Bulgaria. Strang has informed Mosely that he has no word from Eden as to whether Greece and Yugoslavia are to be consulted prior to signature of the armistice. I believe this question can best be settled by the three Governments through diplomatic channels. Gousev is still in Moscow and his substitute on the EAC has limited authority. The U.S. and UK Governments will also wish to handle the question of Bulgaria’s breaking relations with Japan by direct negotiation with the Bulgarian delegation in Moscow.
As soon as the Soviet delegate receives his instructions on Bulgaria, I plan to call a meeting of the European Advisory Commission, of which I am now serving as Chairman, to clear the Bulgarian armistice terms for submission to the three Governments, since time has now become an important factor.