24. Telegram From the Legation in Bulgaria to the Department of State0
281. Vienna for SPO for information only; not for release. Munich for EAS for information only; not for release. Department pass USIA. I called on Prime Minister Todor Zhivkov November 8 at my request. I began by saying that, in view recent developments such as partial test ban treaty and President Kennedy’s decision re possible wheat sales to Soviet Union and East European countries,1 I believe atmosphere is favorable for continuing to work at improving US-Bulgarian relations. I then presented four problems, three of which Legation has taken up repeatedly through Foreign Ministry and other agencies without success:
- (1)
- Citizenship problems.
- (2)
- Housing for Legation staff.
- (3)
- Free access to American Legation for visitors, without interference by militia.
- (4)
- Jamming of Voice of America.
Zhivkov responded by agreeing we should continue to work at improving relations and expressed satisfaction over progress made during past year.
He said he was unable give immediate answers today but assured me he would consider all problems. He mentioned especially questions involving American citizens and dual-nationals.
Zhivkov also said he would look into diplomatic apartment [house] and possibly direct more workers be assigned in order expedite its completion.
[Page 52]Re free access to American Legation, he said he was sorry if militia had prevented anyone from visiting Legation, adding that “this is not their function”.
Re VOA, Zhivkov said if VOA broadcasts to Bulgaria are “objective,” Bulgaria will cease jamming; if broadcasts are not “objective,” Bulgaria will continue jamming regardless of what Soviet Union may do. Zhivkov admitted his latest information re content VOA was almost one year old.
I then asked Zhivkov for his evaluation present Bulgarian political and economic situation. Contrary to reports of some American newsmen and radio, he said, there is no economic crisis. He denied there is any “system of bread rationing” in Bulgaria, adding bread problem has been solved for this year.
Zhivkov added, however, there is a wheat shortage in Bulgaria due to bad crops this year and also to Bulgarian policy allocating major agricultural production resources to vegetables, fruits, and cotton. He said Bulgaria will need to import 500,000 tons of wheat and 300,000 tons of fodder annually for ten years (Leg. A–139).2
Zhivkov evaded my indirect question as to whether he had been to Moscow recently (Legation’s A–154).3
Our hour and a half conversation was on amicable basis. Pouching verbatim text conversation.
Comment: I have impression that contrary to recent diplomatic rumors (Legation’s A–141)4 Todor Zhivkov feels secure in position. While he clearly wants to minimize economic difficulties, he acted confident that they will be overcome. Further comment will follow.5
Zhivkov said Bulgaria hopes to buy wheat from US but that it will not be able to do unless it gets longer credit terms than Soviet Union may receive. He stressed Bulgaria’s need for long-term credit and elimination of “discriminatory” tariff treatment.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL Bul-US. Confidential. Repeated to Vienna, Ottawa, and Munich.↩
- For text of President Kennedy’s statement on wheat sales to the Soviet Union, see Department of State Bulletin, October 28, 1963, pp. 660–661.↩
- Airgram A–139, October 28, forwarded a memorandum of conversation between Anderson and Minister of Foreign Trade Budinov. (Department of State, Central Files, FT 1–1 Bul-US)↩
- Airgram A–154, November 6, reported on Bulgarian officials’ visits to the Soviet Union. (Ibid., POL 15–1 Bul)↩
- Airgram A–141, October 28, speculated on possible changes in the Bulgarian leadership and their implications. (Ibid., POL 15–1 Bul)↩
- Anderson provided further detail on her meeting with Zhivkov in airgram A–175 from Sofia, November 16. (Ibid., POL Bul-US)↩