Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, Eastern Europe, The Soviet Union, Volume VI

874.00/7–146: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Representative in Bulgaria (Barnes)

confidential

Washington, July 5, 1946—1 p.m.

203. Urtel 503, July l.²⁴ It seems to us announcement by armistice commissariat should in first instance be made subject representations Soviet member ACC. Accordingly, unless you or Gen Robertson perceive objection, it is suggested latter bring announcement to attention Soviet chairman ACC inquiring whether Commissariat authorized by Soviet member ACC to issue such instructions and, if so, indicating that granting such authority unilaterally without consultation with US member ACC on matter of this nature which cannot but be considered “a most important question” is in our view contrary to Potsdam agreement concerning revised ACC statutes. Gen Robertson might add that US rep does not approve Commissariat instructions and they should be rescinded. If Soviets demur, as of course is to be expected, he would then request public clarification that announcement based on Soviet and not Allied authority. At that time we would consider advisability taking further steps in Moscow.²⁵

London is requested to discuss matter FonOff with view to issuance similar instructions Brit reps Sofia if they agree. Sofia should keep Brit reps informed but may either await Brit agreement parallel action or raise question with Soviet member ACC in meantime whichever it regards more appropriate.

Sent Sofia, rptd Paris, London and Moscow.

Acheson

24. Not printed: it transmitted the translation of an official announcement appearing in the Bulgarian press for July 1 stating that the Bulgarian commissariat for carrying out armistice terms had warned various Ministries and other state institutions that they did not possess the right to give any information or to deliver any goods to foreign civilians or military officials without the prior order of the Allied Control Commission or its representatives (874.00/7–146).
25. General Robertson sent a letter to Biryuzov on July 13, 1946, in pursuance of the Department’s instructions (740.00119 EW/7–1346). Telegram 221, July 19, to Sofia, authorized Barnes to inform the Bulgarian Foreign Minister orally that the United States Political Mission in Bulgaria was entirely independent of the Allied Control Commission and would ignore any order limiting its contact with the Bulgarian Government (740.00119 Control (Bulgaria)/7–1746).