• i6-2o March 1946 •

Discussed mainly budget issues.

Talks with K[imon] G[eorgiev] on how to proceed with the government resignation.

Strictly confidential:

To Alekseev [Molotov],

Received your advice on the formation of the new government. We consider it quite possible to achieve the following:

1.  To appoint two deputy prime ministers; one of them would be a Communist.

2.  To appoint deputy ministers in the major ministries—the ministries of internal affairs, finance, justice, agriculture, utilities, railroads, industry, electrification, and natural resources (the ministry of defense already has a deputy minister).

3.  Make changes in the distribution of portfolios among the parties in favor of our party and the Agrarian Union. In a preliminary discussion with Ki-mon Georgiev we agreed on the above three points.

As far as Stainov’s replacement is concerned, there are a few problems, which Kimon Georgiev pointed out: the possibility that the right wing of Zveno might split off and join the [anticommunist] opposition. Our view is that the premier should take the ministry of foreign affairs and have a deputy who would be a Communist. Obbov is not suitable for foreign minister.

We would like to follow your advice on the ministry of justice.

The government will resign next Wednesday after the final vote on the budget and appropriate preparations. Then the premier will propose to both opposition groups that they put forward their candidates in agreement with the Moscow decision, in accordance with the memorandum of the Soviet government. i6 March 1946 D[imitrov], K[ostov].

To Ivanov [Dimitrov] and Kostov,

Received your answer. We consider your suggestions acceptable, should Stainov be dismissed from the post of foreign minister. You have not given any answer concerning the replacement of the minister of finance, and it is advisable to think about it. The proportion of parties in the Bulgarian parliament is such that it enables the Workers’ Party to have four to five major portfolios. We are surprised by your modesty and lack of initiative in the matter. Compared with you, the Yugoslav Communists are much more active and energetic.

Druzhkov [Stalin], Alekseev [Molotov] i8 March 1946