s epecial messenger to report it was impossible for them to cross the frontier personally but they
would welcome further information from Mr. Kouyoumdjisky. The desired information was later
forwarded to them and we know that they brought their influence to bear on the Government to
act.
 
          (3) On 29 January 1944, M. Balabanoff informed Mr. Kouvoumdjisky that he was
in Istanbul en route to Sofia where his Government had recalled him urgently and that he was
certain he would be questioned further about his discussions with Mr. Kouyoumdjisky.  The latter
pointed out that there had been no reply to the communication sent pursuant to his request of 18
December and that in such circumstances he had nothing additional to say.  M. Balabanoff replied
that he felt Bulgaria had made many serious errors of policy and that it was necessary that she
withdraw from her present unhappy position as soon as possible. He said he would do his best in
Sofia to persuade his Government to act favorable and that he hoped Mr. Kouyoumdjisky as a
Bulgarian by birth would continue to help.  Mr. Kouyoumdjisky stated he would do his utmost
provided he received through M. Balabanoff a definite proposal from the Bulgarian Government.
 
          (4) On 4 February, M. Balabanoff returned to Istanbul and arranged to meet Mr.
Kouyoumdjisky the next day. At that meeting he said he had spoken at length with the Minister
President, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the heads of the most important political parties and the
most important representatives of the Press, and in addition had talked with the Regents as a
group and individually. He stated that he was convinced he had been able to change their views
and to make them decide to change the present Bulgarian policy and to attempt to make an
approach to the Allies. He added that the Regents and the Government had authorized mud
instructed him to inform Mr. Kouyoumdjisky that they understood the necessity for cnanging their
policy and of getting rid of their Axis connection. He also said that he was authorized to state that
the Regents and the Government were in agreement to discuss this sub-