740.0011 European War 1939/15364: Telegram
The Minister in Bulgaria (Earle) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 25—9:35 a.m.]
394. At the request of the Bulgarian press I had a short conference on September 17.
At this meeting I recalled all that America had done for Bulgaria and how in many ways we had proven we had been Bulgaria’s only real [Page 331] friend. I then cited the vicious attacks made constantly on America and its leaders by Bulgarian editors and asked if it was really their object to alienate American friendship and sympathy. I added that England with American help was certain to win the war and cited many reasons.
The Germans here are furious against me for my arguments that they were sure to lose the war for it is precisely such reasoning that can hurt them in Bulgaria. As a result distorted statements of what I said have appeared in the occupied countries and Germany even going so far as to say I threatened the King. The German Minister refused me a transit visa to Budapest through Belgrade saying that his refusal was directed personally at me because of my statements.
Two developments occurred today that may have resulted from my press conference.
The Minister of the Interior summoned foreign and Bulgarian journalists and absolutely denied that Bulgaria had any aggressive intentions against any country nor was any external pressure being exerted upon her in this respect and that anti-communist activity here was purely internal.
On the other hand in the absence of the Foreign Minister, the Secretary General of the Foreign Office in a conversation with me this morning lost his temper and informed me Bulgaria and Germany would win the war together, that they were the closest friends and allies, and that American attacks on Germany were equivalent to attacks on Bulgaria.
Summed up it appears that the Bulgarian Government is becoming more and more worried by Germany’s growing difficulties and England’s increasing strength.