740.0011 European War 1939/16564
The Minister in Bulgaria (Earle) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 13.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith translations of a note addressed by the Soviet Government to the Bulgarian Government on September 11, and the Bulgarian Government’s reply thereto of September 15.99
The Soviet Government complains that Bulgaria’s attitude even before Germany’s invasion of Russia was inconsistent with the Bulgarian official assurances of friendly relations toward the Soviet Government, to which attitude the Soviet Government had repeatedly drawn Bulgaria’s attention. Since the invasion the unfriendly activities of Bulgaria toward the Soviet Union have increased.
The note continues that the Soviet Government has ample evidence of Bulgaria’s unfriendliness and specifically states that Bulgaria is now being used by the Germans as a base for military operations against Odessa, Crimea and the Caucasus. The German and Italian troops in Bulgaria are increasing in numbers. The Bulgarians have given their military airfields to the Germans. Bulgarian ports on the Black Sea at Varna and Bourgas are being equipped as bases for German and Italian submarines and other naval vessels. Rousse on the Danube is being used for the same purpose. German Grand Admiral Raeder and other German naval officers are organizing a fleet on the Black Sea for operations against Russia. The Bulgarian railways are transporting German war material. A pontoon bridge on the Danube is being used by the Germans to transport troops and war material.
In addition the note refers to Bulgarian accusations that the Soviets have dropped bombs on Bulgarian territory which it characterizes as slanderous and mentions various provocative activities of Bulgaria, particularly an attempt against the Soviet Assistant Military Attaché and the hostile attitude of the Bulgarian press. These facts are stated to bear witness that Bulgaria, with Germany, is preparing for a joint attack on Russia.
The note concludes that the Soviet Government finds it necessary in the circumstances to make the present representation and to call Bulgaria’s attention to its unfriendly attitude toward Russia which is incompatible with the normal relations which exist between the two countries. This attitude, in the opinion of the Soviet Government, is also incompatible with the best interests of the Bulgarian people.
[Page 329]In its reply the Bulgarian Government categorically rejects the Russian statement that since the beginning of the German-Soviet conflict the Bulgarian Government has taken a position incompatible with its official assurances of friendly relations with Russia. Bulgaria expresses surprise that Russia considers Bulgaria has become a base for military operations against her. The Bulgarian Government categorically declares that there is no truth in the affirmations made by the Soviet Government with regard to German fleet concentrations in the Black Sea for attacks against Odessa and the Crimea. It states that it has noted for some time how such accusations against Bulgaria are broadcast by various radios for the purpose of propaganda and it is astonished that the Soviet Government has been led into the error of taking them seriously. The fact that German troops in Bulgaria have acted against Greece and Yugoslavia in no way permits the conclusion of Bulgarian hostility toward the U. S. S. R. At the time and since these events Bulgaria has done only what serves her interests best.
The Bulgarian Government is unaware of provocative activities against the Soviet Union in Bulgaria. With regard to air attacks the Bulgarian Government has explained its position on several occasions and thinks there is no need to bring up the subject again. However, it possesses sufficient information to convince it that the bombs in question came from Soviet airplanes. In respect to the Bulgarian press its attitude is stated to be a result of the conduct of the Soviet press and radio. In conclusion the Bulgarian Government states with regret that the Russian Government appears to be very falsely informed on the situation in Bulgaria. Otherwise it would have no serious reason to accuse Bulgaria of a disloyal attitude or attribute to it aggressive intentions.
As was reported in my telegram No. 379 of September 14, 10 a.m.1 the Russian note was not mentioned by the Bulgarian press or radio at the time of its receipt. Publication was withheld until the despatch of the Bulgarian reply and the two released together.
Moscow radio mentioned the note immediately upon its delivery, however, and London referred to it shortly thereafter. The large majority of the Bulgarian people do not hear London and Moscow radio at present owing partly to restrictions which are now in force and partly to the small number of shortwave radio sets owned by the peasant population. The existence of the Russian note, therefore, was known before its publication to few people. Consequently the reaction to it at that time was not general but seemed to indicate that Bulgarians would by and large consider Russia’s accusations to some extent at least justified.
[Page 330]The decision to withhold the note from the public appears to have been taken on account of fear of just such a reaction, which reaction has in fact been aggravated by the withholding.
Bulgaria’s reply is, as may be seen from its text and as was reported in my telegram No. 384 of September 16, 10 p.m.,2 somewhat evasive but in general, as was to be anticipated, categorically denies the accusations.
Presumably the principal object of Russia’s representation was to embarrass the pro-German Bulgarian Government vis-à-vis the primarily pro-Russian populace. No specific threat was made except the implied one of breaking diplomatic relations. Should Russia take such action it is evident that the Bulgarian Government might be faced with a difficult internal situation. On the other hand, the Government could probably maintain the upper hand and, after the initial shock, the Soviet would become the greater loser, the pro-Russian elements here being left without the guiding force of the Soviet diplomatic mission.
It is not clear, therefore, whether the Soviet Government contemplates an actual breach or is using that possibility merely as an instrument to further its policy of fomenting as much trouble as possible for the Bulgarian Government and to insure the continuance of enough unrest in Bulgaria to prevent the likelihood of Bulgaria effectively cooperating with Germany against Russia.
If the purpose is merely the latter the Soviets are apparently in a position to carry their bluff to considerable lengths. The Bulgarian Government would be unlikely to risk trouble by breaking relations itself unless forced to an extremity. A perhaps minor Russian move in this chess game, if bluff it is, was the departure the other day to Istanbul of the Russian Legation women. Of more major importance is the declaration of Molotov that Bulgaria’s reply to its note is unsatisfactory.
Respectfully yours,
Secretary of Legation