874.00/11–1545: Telegram
The United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 16—4:25 p.m.]
688. Yesterday Regents received Social Democratic leader, Pastukhov, who recently has been urging in columns of his party’s newspaper that Regents recognize their responsibilities and if necessary force by their own action a Govt crisis that will compel postponement of elections.
Pastukhov made three main points in his conversation with Regents:
- 1.
- Election question tied up with problem of foreign relations which will be dealt with by three Great Powers. Bulgaria should help Powers in settlement of these problems, not seek to confront Powers with fait accompli. Bulgaria should avoid giving impression of collaborating with only one Great Power.
- 2.
- Reconciliation between political extremes in country should be accomplished before elections. Political peace is a prerequisite. It should be clear to everyone that present Govt does not represent whole Bulgarian people and cannot therefore hold free elections.
- 3.
- Regency must act as supreme constitutional organ and convoke crown council composed of representatives all political parties and groups.
In conclusion Pastukhov stated that he was not an adversary of collaboration with Communist Party and acknowledged necessity of maintaining closest ties with Soviet Union. He said, however, that he was unalterably opposed to hegemony any one party at present critical period Bulgarian history and that all parties should be in Govt on basis of equal rights and equal responsibilities. It is only in this manner he maintained that serious internal disturbances may be avoided.
Following interview with Pastukhov, Regents began consultations with all opposition leaders.
It is not believed these conversations will lead to any concrete political developments unless new orders come from Moscow or pressure from US and UK suddenly tips scales against Communists and Prime Minister Georgiev.
Rptd to Moscow 306.