874.00/10–2345: Telegram
The United States Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 24—1 a.m.]
622. I feel that there is one outstanding point that we must never overlook in assessing US–UK August intervention Bulgarian political affairs. I would approach that point by asking question “What would be the situation in Bulgaria today had there been no intervention by us”. (Please see final paragraph my telegram 399, July 3083 and my telegram 426, August 7). Significance this point has grown on me daily since my return London and more especially yesterday, first day Ethridge’s conversations about town, by insistence non-Communist members FF that FF Govt be given due credit for increased civil liberties since postponement August elections. This improvement resulted solely from US–UK persistent intervention in days between August 13 and 24. Therefore, why all the talk and speculation about intervention hurtful to Bulgarian pride when at same time Govt preens itself in light of improvements for which it wishes to be given full credit. It seems to me that here is a point most pertinent to any reexamination that may be given at this time to the development of US policy toward eastern and southeastern Europe. In any event we can rest assured, and can do so on basis of proof supplied by the Communist-dominated Govt itself, that our intervention in Bulgaria has worked for the good of human beings and has worsened nothing, unless it be the Soviet Union’s record for double dealing.
I have read this telegram to my British colleague who feels very much as I do and who will so express himself to Foreign Office.
Repeated to Moscow as No. 272 and to London as No. 12.