Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIX, Eastern Europe; Eastern Mediterranean, 1969–1972

76. Telegram From the Embassy in Bulgaria to the Department of State¹

Sofia, December 7, 1972, 0815Z.

1336. Subj: Policy: U.S.-Bulgarian Relations. Ref: Sofia 1322 December 4.²

1. Summary. In first informal encounter with FonMin Mladenov since his meeting with Secretary³ he was effusively friendly and pushed for progress toward commercial agreement.

2. Was cornered at Finnish reception Dec 6 by FonMin Mladenov whom I had till then successfully evaded since my return (he was in Moscow and Ankara part of the time). He was effusively cordial, referred with great pleasure to UN meeting with Secretary and said that in view of Secretaryʼs receptivity to his suggestions of various kinds of agreements we should not lose momentum but get along with preparation for visit by Ivan Popov. For example, now that we had U.S.-Soviet model we should be able to start drafting an economic and commercial agreement.

3. I replied that I was all for preparatory activity and had received a general verbal brief while at home to be receptive to any Bulgarian initiatives. As of the moment I had not received any detailed instructions. I had plenty of authority however to continue negotiating consular convention on which we were waiting their reply to our last proposal 18 months ago. On commercial matters there were so many technicalities involved that I suspected in the final analysis this might be better discussed in Washington perhaps by Deputy FonTrade Min Lukanov during January visit. Mladenov acknowledged such trip was a possibility. We were interrupted before I could pin him down further on consular agreement.

4. Just prior to above had somewhat similar conversation with First Deputy FonMin Grigorov. Latter inquiring as to Codel Symington reactions and expressing regret we had not accepted GOB offer for National Assembly to be official host which he had personally pushed for at policy level. I expressed appreciation for treatment of Codel and other indications of better working relations which I said we were noting carefully. Said (without firm commitment) Codel IPU in February might be more appropriate for at least partial hosting by National Assembly.

5. Comment: Atmosphere was clearly changed here at least temporarily but it appears that tactic is to push for early reward in form of commercial progress while giving as little as possible on other fronts. Would appreciate early receipt Departmentʼs scenario instructions after which I will seek appointment with Mladenov and try to sort out priorities.

Torbert

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL BUL–US. Confidential; Limdis.
2. Telegram 1322 outlined likely Bulgarian scenarios for improving U.S.-Bulgarian relations. (Ibid.)
3. See Document 75.