1. MACEDONIAN CANADIAN PEOPLE’S LEAGUE

1. MACEDONIAN CANADIAN PEOPLE’S LEAGUE

386 Ontario, St., Toronto, Ontario

President Secretary Members of the Executive

- Spaso Mikhailoff - Andrew Palmeroff - Toucho Naidenoff - Nano Petkoff - Nikola Kyriakopoulos (Kiris)

2. BULGARIAN-CANADIAN PEOPLE'S LEAGUE

386 Ontario, St., Toronto, Ontario

Honorary President President

Vice-President

Secretary

Executive Committee:

- Simion Cvetkoff (Tsvetkoff) - Nedelco Dimoff (organizer and Secy. of Hotel Restaurant Union) - Radoslav Raicheff (Chemist, Asst. Editor of NOVO VREME on the death of Andrew Christoff, Editor.)

-Until Jan. 1947- Andrew Christoff, Editor of NOVO VREME. Died on his return from All-Slav Congress in Be…

Manol Timoff Nedelcho D. Kozhukhanoff Pencho Pencheff (veteran of the Spanish war) Nano Petkoff (restaurant worker) Georgy Chakyeroff (from Kitchener)

3. UNITED MACEDONIAN COUNCIL OF CANADA AND MACEDONIAN CANADIAN WAR RELIEF COMMITTEE

380 Ontario -St., Toronto, Ontario

Chairman: Secretary:

Members of the Executive:

Kosta R. Andrews Spiro T. Vasileff

- Zakhari Kostoff, Secretary of the "Christo Bosteff" Association, Toronto, Ontario.

4. MACEDONIAN AND BULGARIAN YOUTH CLUB

386 Ontario St. , Toronto, Ontario. President: Vasil Peykoff Vice-President: Dan Giamon Secretary Secretary: Zilka Georgrieff

ORGANIZATIONS NOT CONNECTED WITH MACEDONIAN PEOPLE'S LEAGUE

1. PRAVDA ASSOCIATION (Bulgarian) -Toronto, Ontario. This association is called “pro-fascist” by the Communistic wing.

2. MACEDONIAN POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA (Abbreviated M.P.O. Headquarters presumably in Minneapolis. Has an associated organization in Toronto, Ontario. NOVO VREME of August 30, 1946 refers to that organization as "reactionary".

“Otechestven Front” - December 2nd, 1944

The Macedonian Minister of Justice Pirouze on the great problems of Federal Macedonia.

Will Macedonian immigrants, who are at present in Bulgaria, return to Macedonia?

The question of the Macedonians in S. W. Bulgaria.

The Minister of Justice of Macedonia, Mr. Peter Pirouze, arrived in Sofia yesterday evening. To the journalists of the capital he made the following statement:-

"It is very pleasant to find myself in the capital of new national and democratic Bulgaria. I came here during 1941, but was obliged to leave your capital, because there was at that time a Fascist regime which did not permit any free expression, and which persecuted anything honest and conscientious. As to the situation of free Macedonia, which surely interests you greatly, I shall try to describe it in a few words.

You know that after the occupation of Yugoslavia by Germany many parties started to follow a German policy. Only the Communist Party, supported by some other groups of honest people, began an action against the occupation by the Germans. The army amounted to from 18 to 20 divisions and there were the troops of Drazho Mihailovich, Pavelich and Gen. Nedich, who were with them. We started several attacks against these reactionary parties and their armies. During all this time we were not alone: our Allies, the USSR, England and the USA and all the national liberation movements in Europe were helping us too, together with fraternal Bulgarian liberation troops, who started their action immediately after they had been formed. As the result of this struggle, we have to-day, a free Macedonia within the framework or federal Yugoslavia.

In November of last year, in the town of Yaitze, the historical AVNOJ was called together, and decisions were taken on the re-

building of Yugoslavia in the form of a federal, democratic and free state.

On the 2nd August this year, our ASNOM was called together in the monastery of prochor Ptchinsy.

In these meetings Macedonia was formed as a separate federal state in federal Yugoslavia. Out of the Asnom, a presidium was elected which formed the Government of new Macedonia. The new government is headed by Comrade Metody Tchento, and consists of eight ministries: Home Affairs, Public Instruction, Public Health, Economy, Agriculture, Finance, Roads and Constructions, and Justice. The residence of this government is at Skopje.

Comrade Dimitr Vlachov was elected president of the Macedonian Liberation Front; this election took place a few days ago at a conference in Skopje. Separate party groups participate neither in the National Liberation Front nor in our government. All pioneers are gathered here, all that is honest.

The common Skupstina, in which the delegates of all the federal states participate, is the supreme organ of our federal Yugoslavia."

To the question of what the feelings of the Macedonian peoples and the Macedonian government are towards new Bulgaria of the Patriotic Front, Minister Pirouze declared:

"On the 9th September a historical change took place in Bulgaria which altered the aspect of the country. Now, in the government of the Patriotic Front, the Bulgarians have an administration which deserves the support and trust of all those who are honest in the country. The government has shown a sound understanding in regard to us Macedonians. The policy of the Patriotic Front has nothing in common with yesterday’s Fascist Regime in Bulgaria. I consider that with this government we can count on the collaboration and friendship of the Bulgarian people when the national question is decided, as well as other questions which are of interest to you and to us."

In connection with the return to Macedonia of the Macedonian immigrants who are now in Bulgaria, the Minister spoke as follows:-

"We shall not stop anyone who would wish to return to Macedonia. On the contrary, we wish to attract there all who are fit to work and are honest, but I think this must be done on a voluntary basis. Those who want to come are welcome; those who don't are not going to be forced. As to the Macedonians in SW Bulgaria, they will themselves decide where they would like to be, here or there. Our fundamental desire at any rate, is to create a South Slav Federal State, and after that a Balkan Federation. There are no obstacles, in these circumstances, between Yugoslavia and Bulgaria, and at some time we shall establish, in one form or another, the closest friendship and collaboration between the two fraternal peoples. There are certainly people who do not wish this, who are trying to separate us, and who are continuing to provoke. We have arrested a great number of them, and they are now awaiting the verdict of the People's Court. All those who have behaved badly before, and who dipped their hands in the blood of the people, will get what they deserve."

Ottawa - July 7, 1941

Dear Mr. Robertson:

It is desired to refer you to your communication of the 13th ultimo, with respect to the activities in Canada of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (I.M.R.O.). In this regard our files have been examined and attached hereto will be found a copy of a memorandum dealing with the Macedonian Political Organization, which is undoubtedly the organization referred to by the Greek Minister in London.

2. It is appreciated that some points in the attached memorandum are inconsistent but it is desired to point out that extreme difficulty has been encountered in securing definite, reliable information with respect to the activities of the Macedonian Political Organization. The present situation is rather obscure and every effort is being made to secure additional information.

3. In connection with your request that you be provided with advice as to the reply which should be returned to the Greek Minister’s representations, we can only suggest that he be advised that the activities of the Macedonian Political Organization are being kept in touch with as closely as possible. At the present time information secured indicates that some members of the Macedonian Political Organization in one district in Canada are with Greece owing to the fact that most of the members’ families reside in Macedonia or Greece. It is a matter of awaiting developments and if it is established that the activities of the Macedonian Political Organization are inimical to Canada’s war effort, appropriate action will be taken as the circumstances may warrant.

Yours sincerely, S. T. Wood.

N. A. Robertson, Esq., Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs, Ottawa, Ontario.

OTTAWA - February 1st, 1949

No. 30

I refer to your dispatch no. 5 of January 3rd, 1949, requesting information on certain alleged activities of Bulgarians in Canada in favour of the Greek Communist Party.

2. We have in the past experienced difficulties in suppressing pro-Bulgar and pro-Macedonian propaganda in Canada. The Macedonian-Canadian War Aid Committee collected about $ 15,000 in 1946 and then used the money, quite improperly, to finance a delegation of eleven to the Slav Congress in Belgrade which was held around December, 1946. It is quite likely that the balance of the funds collected were given to Macedonian organizations in Yugoslavia and Bulgaria which were assisting the Greek Communists. This Macedonian-Canadian War Aid Committee was a front for the Bulgar-Canadian People’s League and the Macedonian-Canadian People’s League; both organizations are still active in Canada. Both are inclined towards Communism, but may not be divided in their attitude towards Marshal Tito.

3. However, during the past two years, we have no knowledge of any funds being sent from Canada to the Macedonian or Greek Communists, but it would be a comparatively easy matter to send money in the mails and this has always been the practice of Balkan immigrants, both for legitimate and illegal purposes.

4. As to the old Independent Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO), most of its members have become anti-Communists, so that it is unlikely that they have been instrumental in raising funds for the Greek Communists.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Obedient servant, T.W.L.M., Secretary of State for External Affairs

The Canadian Ambassador, Canadian Embassy, Athens, Greece

OTTAWA - Athens, November 4, 1946

???-K 353

Refer: Natl. War Services (by letter) Done 20-11-46 MH

It has recently been drawn to our attention that three individuals, Andro CHRISTOFF, Nicholas KIRIAKOPOULOS and Andro PALMEROFF, are leaving shortly for Belgrade, Yugoslavia, to attend a Slav Congress there as delegates of Bulgarian and Macedonian progressive organizations in Toronto.

2. CHRISTOFF is the managing editor of the left wing Bulgarian language weekly, “Novo Vreme”, published in Toronto, Ontario, and for some considerable time has been one of the more active members, and chief promulgator of pro-communist propaganda, in the Bulgarian and Macedonian left wing organizations. The only prominence the other two individuals enjoy, warranting them being included in the delegation, is the fact that they also have been active participants in the activities of the same left wing organizations, assisting CHRISTOFF in exerting his malign influence.

3. This information is forwarded to you as of possible interest.

(Don’t recognize signature) for the Commissioner.

The Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs, Ottawa, Ontario.

OTTAWA - November 13th, 1946

No. 1903

Sir,

I have the honour to inform you that three delegates from the Bulgarian and Macedonian organizations in Toronto are leaving Canada shortly to attend a Slav Congress in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

Mr. Ando CHRISTOFF is the managing editor of “Novo Vreme”, a weekly pater with communist sympathies published in the Bulgarian language in Toronto. Mr. Nicholas KIRIAKOPOULOS and Mr. Andro PALMEROFF are active in Bulgarian and Macedonian organizations whose general aim is the establishment of an autonomous Macedonia as a member of a federation of Balkan States.

You may wish to draw these facts to the attention of the foreign office.

(Signed) G. L. Magann For the Secretary of State for External Affairs

The High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, London

Very interesting new publication of collection of 61 documents (records), made from the Bulgarian Committee for Disclosing the Documents and Announcing Affiliation of Bulgarian Citizens to the State Security and the Intelligence Services of the Bulgarian National Armed Forces (CDDAABCSSISBNAF)

It is noteworthy that today's Bulgarian unreformed ex-communist secret services work by the same plans, with the same methods and with the same peoples (agents), even!

--------- State Security – Political Police (09.09.1944 - 10.11.1989)

Collection of Records 2011 --------- Editor in charge: Dr. Orhan ISMAILOV Compilers’ body: Dr. Orhan ISMAILOV, Hristo HRISTOV, Momchil METODIEV Scientific consultant: Veselin TSELKOV, Professor, D.Sc. Technical assistants: Hyulya IBRAHIMOVA, Gyursel SALIM ---------

Source URL for downloading of the ePublication (106 MB):

http://www.comdos.bg/media/SBORNIK-05.pdf

---------

Intersting for Macedonia and Macedonian Question (but not all!!!): (by number of pages of the ePublication)

---------------------------

p.172 to p.174 (1952):

"Doc.No.19.

Strictly confidential written reference about the Section of National Minorities based on an order to activate agents’ operative work in Department III, 20 August 1952 (CDDAABCSSISBPA) – M, f.13, inv.1, a.u.970, sheets 5-7) It contains information on the Turkish and Macedonian minorities and the related main tasks in the work of the Section."

---------------------------

p.269 to p.275 (1960):

"Doc.No.31.

Top Secret memorandum of crucial significance from General Georgi Krastev, Head of Division III of the State Security, to

General Mircho Spassov, Deputy Minister of the Interior on: “The implementation of planned activities in the division to enhance the intelligence and counterintelligence work“, 20 October 1960 (CDDAABCSSISBPA) – M, f.13, inv.1, a.u.1672, sheets 16-22) The document bears a higher degree of secrecy because it contains data about the attempts of Division III of the State Security to conduct intelligence activities outside the country through its agents."

p.273 (1960):

"For USA and Canada, Agent "Gosho", who is new-recruited and promising agent, and is young and have contacts with Mihajlovist circles, and is well-built environment for his bringing;"

---------------------------

p.325 (1975):

Anonymous pro-Macedonian leaflets and contention of the new Bulgarian socialistic nation!

"Doc.No.41.

Top Secret written reference on the operative situation in the country in the area of anonymous activities in the period 1974-1977, 22 November 1977 (CDDAABCSSISBPA) – M, f.22, inv.1, a.u.74, sheets 1a-5) It is a written reference on countering the anonymous political activities in the period 1974-1977, which contains statistical data about the anonymous letters throughout the years and exposed authors of anonymous documents. The document is indicative of the attention paid to this activity by the State Security."

---------------------------

p.382 to p.388 (1981):

"Doc. No.45.

Top Secret events that Division VI proposes to include in the overall plan to frustrate the attempts of certain circles abroad to falsify and usurp the historical past of Bulgaria, 16 November 1981 (CDDAABCSSISBPA) – M, f.22, inv.1, a.u.141, sheets 35-41) The document outlines some measures against the attempts of certain circles abroad to falsify Bulgarian historical heritage. Penetration in specific foreign scientific institutes, collection of archives relating to Bulgarian history, strengthening the propaganda abroad of the Bulgarian vision of the history are proposed. The document is indicative of the attempts of the State Security to impose its views on researches not only in Bulgaria but abroad as well."

Secret work for the Bulgarian communistic state security service (the communistic political police):

p.386 point 9.: Agents from Slavonic Committee [former name of the Bulgarian Agency of the Bulgarians Abroad] p.386 point 10.: Agents from Bulgarian Orthodox Church (of Maxim)

p.386 point 11.: Agents from MPO for USA and Canada ("Through our agents, to influence leaders of MPO activity to strengthen their opposition and exposing Skopje's and Greek falsification of our history. To do more to actively make use of their journals in USA and Canada."

---------------------------

p.414 to p.421

"Doc.No.48.

Top Secret information from Department 02 on guaranteeing the safety of Bulgarian citizens temporarily residing abroad, 8 September 1982 (CDDAABCSSISBPA) – M, f.22, inv.1, a.u.166, sheets 1-7) The information is from September 1982 and concerns the measures of Division VI to guarantee security for the Bulgarian citizens traveling abroad. The focus of these measures is placed on the need to “protect” those citizens from Western influence, while they are abroad. It contains a list of measures to improve

“counterintelligence provision” for the Bulgarian citizens temporarily staying abroad, including by strengthening the control over issuance of permits to travel abroad."

p.418:

"The leader of the Anarchy-Movement and Secretary of the Bulgarian Section of BBC Alexander Georgiev, traitor of the fatherland from 1959, favour of the national-chauvinistic base for union of the Macedonian population of Greece, SFRJ and PRBg."

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Partial report - starts on page 2. (Page 1 missing)

…, being opportunists, were quick to get over to the side which they thought had the best chance of coming out on top.) One of these named Keramidjieff from Kiessa was a leader in the OCHRANA, and occupied a leading position SNOF after he had joined that organization.

6. Following the withdrawal of the Germans from Greece in October 1944Gotseff went to Yugoslavia after declaring the autonomy of Macedonia. Meanwhile, OCHRANA was being officially abolished and a large majority of its members joined the SNOF battalions. These people were welcomed into SNOF because the aims of the two organizations were similar, namely the separation of Macedonia from Greece, and the Communists seeing a great opportunity to increase the ranks of SNOF declared that any OCHRANA member joining SNOF would thereby escape punishment for having collaborated with the Germans.

7. In November 1944 the battalion under Gotseff, total strength approximately 4,000 were concentrated in Monastir and were accommodated in the town barracks. Here on 18 November 1944 the “First Shock Brigade of Macedonia of the Aegean” was officially formed and colours presented which was the flag of the People Republic of Macedonia of the Vardar. Ranks of the Yugoslav Army were given to the leaders of SNOF, Gotseff being given the rank of Colonel.

8. In April 1945 SNOF was renamed into NOF (Naroden Osloboditelen Front). This was done mainly as a political expedient in order to remove from the title of the organization the reference to its Slavic affiliation since it was felt that this too clearly indicated its intentions.

9. The above summary gives the background to the organization of NOF and briefly traces the two recent movements having as their aim the separation of Greek Macedonia from Greece. Of the two driving forces behind these movements, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia, Yugoslavia finally gained the leading position. The following paragraphs deal in the present situation of NOF.

10. The feud between Tito and the Cominform resulted in a split in the NOF organization. That split became apparent after the 5th Plenary Session of the KKE in January 1949. As a result, two opposing groups were formed within NOF, each following its own line of policy. One group under Gotseff and Keramidjieff has declared itself as the followers of Tito. Its aim is still the incorporation of Greek Macedonia into the People’s Republic of Macedonia which constitutes one of the six republics of the Federated Peoples Republics of Yugoslavia. This group is now in Yugoslavia and comes under the Communist Party of Yugoslavia. The second group is lead by Mitrofski (Metropoulos – member of the Communist Provisional Democratic Government as Minister of Food) and Kotchef (Kotsopoulos – also member of the Provisional Democratic Government as Director of Minorities). In April 1949, this group changed the name of NOF to K.O.AI.M. (Communist Organization of Macedonia of the Aegean). This second group follows the Cominform policy line. Its political aim is the foundation of an Independent Communist Macedonian State within the Balkan Communist Confederation. It is politically directed by the Cominform, co-operates with the KKE (Communist Party of Greece) and is supported by official Bulgarian policy. The K.O.AI.M. is administered by a Central Committee and district organization. Metrovsky is Secretary General of the Central Committee.

11. The K.O.AI.M. receives instructions direct from the Cominform. As far as is known there is no separate channel of communication direct with the Communist party of Bulgaria.

12. The K.O.AI.M. does not have a separate military organization, the followers being distributed among units of the “Democratic Army”, particularly among these units operating in the area of Western Macedonia. Many K.O.AI.M. members held appointments as commanders of units and formations up to divisional level in the “Democratic Army”, e.g., Vainas alias Vainofsky, Commander of XI Division, “Democratic Army”. It is estimated that on the average 20% of the personnel of the “Democratic Army” is made up of K.O.AI.M. followers.

Comment

13. The familiar communist pattern can be seen in the history and organization of NOF; communist nationals as senior officers of the organization, the use of a name which could easily feel the uninformed as to the organizations true nature, the appeal of independence to the public, etc.

14. Although K.O.AI.M. may not have a separate military organization now, there is ample evidence to show that SNOF or NOF did have a military formation. I am making further enquiries on this point and will keep you informed. The K.O.AI.M., or that part of the original NOF organization which follows the line laid down by the Cominform is believed to be the larger of the two groups formed as a result of the split between Tito and the Cominform.

15. With reference to appendix “A” Sofia is referred to in its capacity as Cominform headquarters of course and NOT as headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party.

16. I have handed four copies of this letter to the Charge d’Affaires.

(R.F Rethschild) Col. Military Attache. Partial report - starts on page 3. (Pages 1 & 2 are missing)

…authorities to the terrorists, the Yugoslav Government is reported to have said that members of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization, I.M.R.O., had established co-operation with the Ustasha, providing for terrorist instructions to be furnished to the latter. The Ustasha is the Croatian organization of which Ante Pavelich and Gustav Pertchets were leaders. After the assassination Pavelich was arrested and detained in Turin.

12. The position therefore appears to be that the I.M.R.O. is a nationalist or minority movement of Macedonians dissatisfied with their present political position who have formed a temporary alliance with those elements among the Croats who are similarly influenced.

13. In accordance with its usual policy the Comintern is seeking to make use of nationalist minority movements in Yugoslavia and Bulgaria as elsewhere, but the only Macedonian organization into which they have penetrated is the “United” I.M.R.O.

14. The Macedonian Political Organization has three branches in Canada, these being located in Kitchener, Ontario, Toronto, Ontario and Windsor, Ontario. There are approximately 34 branches in the United States.

15. As mentioned above Ivan Mihailoff was the leader and it appeared that at one time he was anti-Axis but late reports indicate that he has thrown his lot in with the Italian Government, it being understood that he was promised that if Italy and the Axis conquered the Balkan States he would be set up as the head of a Macedonian State.

16. In Canada the Macedonian Political Organization was definitely anti-Communist but the Communist Party endevoured to obtain a footing in the M.P.O. but were unsuccessful and during the Fifteenth Annual Convention of the M.P.O. held at Toronto during September, 1936 all the Communists were ejected from the Hall in which the General meeting of the organization was being held.

17. During July, 1940 a copy of a periodical named “PRAVDA” (Justice) published by the M.P.O. of Toronto was examined. Only two issues of this publication have come to our attention and it was observed that Volume I No. 2 Issue of July 27, 1940 contained an article, which for some reason not clearly shown, to the effect that the M.P.O. of Toronto was dissatisfied with the conduct of the Central Committee of the M.P.O. and also with the Macedonian Tribune. The issue concerned attacked Peter Atzeff, Secretary of the M.P.O. of Indianapolis. It was claimed that he and his colleagues in the Central Committee had unlawfully fostered and adopted a new constitution under which they gave themselves more power over the activities of the M.P.O. It was not possible to conclude from the publication mentioned whether the complaints were true or otherwise, but generally speaking there did not appear to be any differences as to the main object behind the M.P.O., namely, a free Macedonia; in other words, the differences were internal but not political.

18. Our investigations indicate that the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization was organized in the year 1903. The I.M.R.O. organized the Macedonian peasants into free lance bands and an I.M.R.O. revolution was apparently crushed at a place called Illinden Macedonia. The Chapter of the present Macedonian Political Organization in New York, N.Y. is known as the “Illinden Chapter”. It is apparently a custom of the M.P.O. to name their chapters after such incidents or important individuals. According to an official booklet covering the Nineteenth Annual Convention of the Macedonian Political Organization held in Pittsburg, Pa., between September 1st and 4th, 1940 the Macedonian Political Organization was first officially incorporated at Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.A. in 1921.

19. It is interesting to mention that the programme of the Nineteenth Annual Convention of the M.P.O. contains a full page of photographs of Dr. Ante Pavelich leader of “Fighting Croatia”, with a greeting from the Croatian Home Defense of the United States to their Macedonian Allies in their mutual struggle for independence, wishing success to the Macedonians in their cause. It is understood that this Dr. Pavelich is the individual who has recently been placed at the head of a newly formed Croatian Government.

20. On March 8, 1941, an article appeared in the Toronto Daily Star to the effect that the Bulgarian “Comitadjis” (organized by the I.M.R.O.) were joining the Greek Army under the leadership of Ivan Mihailoff. It is appreciated that this is inconsistent with the report that Mihailoff had thrown in his lot with the Italian Government but the actual situation is obscure.

21. Generally speaking the activities of the Macedonian Political Organization in Canada have been exceedingly quite for some time and difficulty has been encountered in securing definite information with respect to same. It is, however, of interest to mention that as recently as June 17th, 1941, it was reported that the sentiments of the sympathizers of the M.P.O. in the Windsor, Ontario District, were with Greece owing to the heroism of the Greek Army and also because of the fact that most of the members’ families were then living in Macedonia or Greece.

(Rest of report is also missing).

Protest by the Macedonian Peoples Union of Canada To the Yugoslav Government

January 10, 1949 Date of information December 14, 1948

212

The following protest from the Macedonian Peoples Union was addressed to the Yugoslav Embassy, Ottawa, Canada.

“The Macedonian Peoples Union is a Democratic Organization.

The Union is interested in the evolution of our Motherland – Macedonia, and has done everything possible for material help to its people.

Our relations in the past with the Republic of Macedonia and of Yugoslavia has been friendly. Lately, however, because of events in Yugoslavia, some Government personages in Macedonia have conducted polemics by which they tried to interfere with the internal matters of our organization. Letters were sent to various members who were asked to oppose our attitude towards the Yugoslav question and instead to support TITO. In other letters of the same origin, unpardonable and insulting attacks have been against the Bulgarian brother people.

In consequence we protest to your Government at the activities of these officials and request an end be made to this mode of interference on our organization.

At 12th October 1948. Macedono-Canadian Union President: S. Michaelov Secretary: S. Vassilev.”

R 1291 - February 9th, 1948

I agree with the above.

If I may add my own conjecture, it is that there is a row developing between Dimitrov and Tito as to who is to lead the South Slav bloc (which Moscow has not condemned as it has a general East European Federation). Possibly also there is jealousy on the part of Dimitrov because the Markos effort is almost exclusively in the Albanian-Yugoslav sector. I recall in this connexion that the forecasts we previously heard mentioned Serres, which is about in the middle. I imagine that Dimitrov is panting to get down to the Aegean and is afraid that the Yugoslavs are going to jump his claims. This, I admit, is pure speculation, but it is perhaps human nature that there should be such rivalries.

2. The line which Moscow would obviously take in order to keep both Tito and Dimitrov in order would naturally be to underline the necessity for party discipline and this adequately explains the use of Pravda. I agree with the comment in a recent letter from Mr. Peake that there is certainly scope for disagreement between Balkan politicians behind the Iron Curtain. But they will not express this disagreement very publicly and in my opinion we must resort to the traditional subtleties of diplomacy in reading between the lines of their statements in order to judge what those differenced are.

3. Personally I do not see how the Kremlin are going to produce the South Slav bloc unless they are prepared to remove either Tito or Dimitrov, because I cannot imagine those two particular personalities forming a satisfactory omelette. Presumably Dimitrov is senior in the party hierarchy to Tito, so the question is likely to prove pretty embarrassing to Moscow. I should think there was a fertile field for mischievous propaganda by us here.

4. It is perhaps not inconceivable that the Secretary of State’s Speech which has a considerable effect abroad, increasing the Kremlin’s desire to keep Dimitrov in order in case he did anything silly and let them in for serious trouble in Greece.

Sd. R.M.A. Hankey

9th February 1948. R 1291

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Headquarters - Ottawa, August 14, 1947

Attention Mr. G.G. Crean

Information has been received from a confidential source which in turn received the information from a source of unknown reliability to the effect that three individuals, Andrew PALMEROFF, one MIRTCHEV and one Nikola KOVATCHEV, Communists who attended the recent Pan-Slav Congress in Belgrade, have been assigned a mission in the United States and Canada. It is alleged that they have been designated to induce Bulgarian and Macedonian immigrants to send their dollar savings for deposit in the Bulgarian National Banks as a patriotic measure in support of the Bulgarian economy. It is alleged that these individuals are being used by Russian-trained Binko PETROVSKI, Bulgarian Director of Foreign Trade, as a nucleus of a group to promote commerce between Bulgaria, the United States and Canada.

2. Of the three individuals mentioned above, only Andrew PALMEROFF is believed to be from Canada. He attended the Congress in Belgrade as a representative of the Macedonian Canadian People's League and is known to us as a confirmed Communist.

3. The above is supplied as being of possible interest to you. If any further information in this connection comes to our attention, it will be forwarded to you.

The Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs, OT'TAWA, Ontario.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Ottawa, June 13th, 1941

Dear Commissioned Wood,

I am enclosing a copy of a dispatch, No. A. 257 of May 17th, from our Hight Commissioner in London, transmitting a memorandum he has received from the Greek Minister in London relative to the activities in Canada of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO).

I should be glad to receive any information in your possession as to the activities in this country of this organization, and your views as to the reply which should be returned to the Greek Minister’s representation.

Yours sincerely,

N.A. Robertson

Commissioner S.T. Wood, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ottawa

Ottawa, July 10th, 1941

Sir,

I have the honour to refer to your dispatch of the 17th May, No. A 257, which enclosed copy of memorandum presented to you by the Greek Minister in London dealing with the activities of the Revolutionary Macedonian Organization.

2. With regard to the activities in Canada of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (I.M.R.O.), as it is called, the Commissioner of the Canadian Mounted Police has forwarded to me a memorandum dealing with the activities of the organization in Canada. A copy of this memorandum is enclosed for your information.

3. I would suggest that the Greek Minister be advised that the activities of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization are being

closely watched by the responsible Canadian authorities, and every effort is being made to secure additional information concerning the activities of its members. At the present time, information secured indicates that the members in one of the districts in Canada under surveillance had been thoroughly sympathetic to the Greek cause owing to the fact of family connections in Macedonia or Greece.

At the present time all developments are being carefully checked, and if it is established that these activities appear to threaten the effectiveness of the Canadian or Allied war efforts, appropriate action will betaken without delay.

I assume you will communicate the substance of these remarks to the Greek Minister.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, N.A. Robertson for the Secretary of State for External Affairs.

The Right Honourable, Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada, Canada House London, S.W.1, England

Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Ottawa, June 23rd, 1947

The Commissioner, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Ottawa, Canada

I enclose, for your information, a translation of two letters from Mr. Grouios to addressees in Greece. It would appear that MR. Grouios is a Macedonian autonomist. This information has been received from the Central Intelligence Group in Washington and has been passed to us by our Embassy.

G.G. Crean

Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs.

Translates Jannina, 28 February 1947

Anti-national activities of a Slav organization in Canada

I have the honour to report the following information received from the Commander of the Gendarmerie, Corfu, obtained from an Ochranite of Macedonia, detained at the Criminal Prison of Corfu, and from censorship of correspondence from Canada, to detainees in the above prison:-

In the town of Toronto, Canada, there exists the old Slav organization “ORIM” in which Bulgarians and Yugoslavs have actively engaged since a long time ago. This organization which always helped the activities of the Comitat and was making propaganda in favour of the independence of Macedonia by Yugoslavia. Greeks from Macedonia also participate in this organization and they correspond with the collaborators and criminals from Western Macedonia detained in the gaol of Corfu, to whom money is sent by post, and parcels through the British Consul at Corfu. It is characteristic in this matter the fact that this money is not sent by relatives in Canada but on behalf of this organization, This is evident by the fact that all letters to the detainees have been written by the same hand of teacher Nicholaos Anastastiou Palli, who is reported to be the secretary of this organization.

After these facts which resulted from the Director of the Corfu Prison’s investigations, I request that the competent authorities be informed, so as to follow the anti-national activities of the Slav-Macedonians and also the Greek consular authorities in Canada be informed for the enlightenment of the Greeks from Macedonia living there.

(sd) John Bailakis, Colonel High Commander

Gendarmerie G.H.Q., Security Section, Athens.

Royal Greek Embassy – Ottawa - July 13, 1951

Dear Mr. Reid,

With reference to our conversation of the 11th instant, I think I had better give you below the exact titles of the newspapers in question:

Makedonska Tribuna (Bulgarian) Ellinoamericanicon Vima (Greek)

Yours sincerely,

(Signed) Nicolas A. Anissas, Ambassador of Greece.

Mr. E. Reid, Deputy Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs, Ottawa.

E. Reid/PW

July 11, 1951

Memorandum for Defense Liaison Division (2)

Macedonian Propaganda in Canada

The Greek Ambassador when he was calling on me today said that he wished to draw our attention to the importation into Canada of two newspapers which by considered were directed by the Cominform and which, in his opinion, were having harmful effects among persons in Toronto of Macedonian origin.

2. These two newspapers are: Makedonska Tribuna, published in Indianapolis; Pamericane Tribune, published in New York. The first is the Bulgarian language, the second in the Greek language.

3. According to the Ambassador, these two newspapers are not openly communistic. Openly they are in favour of Macedonian autonomy. However, in the Ambassador’s opinion, the present agitation for Macedonian autonomy reflected in these newspapers is directed by the Cominform in Bulgaria.

4. The Ambassador suggested that it would be in the interests both in Canada and of Greece if the importation of these newspapers into Canada could be prohibited. He realizes the difficulties.

5. I said I would have this matter looked into and that we would let him know.

6. I should be grateful if you would look into it.

E.R.

Royal Yugoslav Consulate General - Montreal, September 2nd, 1936

Hr. 85/36.

Sir,

I have the honour to inform you that a convention will be held in Toronto on Sept. 6th, 1936, for a duration of three days by the Macedonian Organization of Toronto, Ont. This political organization intends to carry a banner of the picture of Vlade Tehermazemski, assassin of the late King Alexander I of Yugoslavia.

We have been informed that the demonstration will march through the main streets of the city of Toronto with the banners which procedure is directed against our Dynasty and our country which is friendly to Canada. Such proceeding is calculated to rouse the feelings of loyal residents of the Yugoslav people in Canada and may provoke a serious breach of public peace and good order besides creating bitter feelings among Yugoslav colonies all over Canada.

Therefore, I earnestly beg your intervention to prevent such proceedings on Canadian soil as organized hero worship of murder which we feel certain has no encouragement either from your Government or from the friendly people of Canada. I may ask you to be so kind as to take the necessary steps as soon as possible because the time is very short.

Enclosed you will find the article from the Evening Telegram of Toronto.

Trusting that you will give our request your kind attention,

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, (George Sigmund), Secretary

Telegram 306 - London, February 16th, 1945

From the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs To the Secretary of State for External Affairs Canada