874.00/10–1245: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes)
336. Following is extract my press conference Oct 10 as summarized in Radio Bulletin 242
[Page 347]“Secretary pointed out that at the Berlin Conference it was agreed that each government should separately investigate conditions in the Balkan States in consideration of the question of the recognition of the governments not then recognized by the United States and by the United Kingdom, and that in his talk Friday night he had said that this Government had investigated conditions in Kumania and Bulgaria in accordance with the agreement at Berlin, and that it would continue to investigate. He said that he had determined, in continuing to investigate, to send a representative not connected with the State Department or with any inquiries or investigation that have been made in order that there would be a new approach, adding that such a man would be able to judge conditions without bias or prejudice in the light of conditions existing today. Secretary announced that he had selected for that task Mark Ethridge of the Louisville Courier-Journal. Asked when Mr. Ethridge was leaving, Mr. Byrnes replied that he would be here Monday79 and would leave soon thereafter.”
Please extend Mr. Ethridge every facility in performance his mission and notify ACC. Ethridge born Meridian, Mississippi April 22, 1896.
Composition his party, travel plans etc will be telegraphed to you as soon as determined.
Sent Sofia and Bucharest,80 repeated Caserta.81