874.00/5–3145: Telegram
The United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 31—11 a.m.]
284. Nikola Petkov, Agrarian Minister without Portfolio in the Govt., saw Lt. Vucinich of Gen. Crane’s staff this morning and revealed to him the following info:
“This morning Min Petkov asked me to inform you and Min Barnes that the Russians had sent the Bulgarians a draft of a statement which they wanted to receive from the Bulgarians. The draft contained a statement to the effect that ‘it is strange that Min Barnes should give asylum to G. M. Dimitrov’ and insinuated that it was not quite the thing to do. The Russians want the Bulgarians to ask the ACC to return Dimitrov to the Bulgarians which is said to be in conformity with internatl law. Georgiev, Petkov and Stainov refused to send the Russians such a statement on the basis that Bulgaria cannot involve itself in a conflict with the USA and hinted that the USSR might make such demands itself.
“Min Petkov says that terrorism continues. Many prominent Agrarians have been arrested, including Hristo Stratev and the doctors who attended G. M. Dimitrov. Petkov’s secty committed suicide in jail although body markings indicated that she was beaten or killed by the militia. It is said the militia sought to force certain confessions about the activity of Dimitrov from the secty. Dimitrov’s wife has been arrested and has been beaten. Min Petkov added ‘something must be done to stop this terror’.”
Rptd to Moscow as No. 14.