CHURCH LEADERS IN BULGARIA

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25735, 22 February 1949, Page 5

CHURCH LEADERS IN BULGARIA

ALLEGED CONFESSIONS PUBLISHED U.S. OFFICIALS NAMED SOFIA, February 20. “Bulgarian newspapers have published the aUeged confession of the Rev. Yanko Ivanov, supervisor of the Bulgarian Methodist Church, who is one of the 15 Nonconformist leaders charged with espionage, high reason, and currency speculations, says the Associated Press. “The alleged confession names Mr Cyril Black, secretary of a former United States political mission to Bulgaria, as the head or chief instigator of the espionage activity, and Miss Melany Turner former principal of the American Methodist CoUege at Lovech, as his principal assistant. "Mr Ivanov is also reported to have confessed that at his instigation Mr Black arranged for the regular payment of all Mr Ivanov’s pastors. Mr Ivanov is quoted as saying that he received instructions from Mr Black to: “(1) Carry out political activity through all Evangelical churches. "(2) Give information on the people’s dissatisfaction against the Fatherland Front Government and on all rumours about internments of Russian troops and economic statistics. “The Communist Party’s newspaper published alongside the alleged confession statements from leaders of various religious denominations ‘strongly condemning such treacherous activity.’ “Mr Ivanov said he received a total of £7500 in payment, including £3750 through a representative of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. “The Government has also released the alleged written testimony of the Rev. Vassil Ziopkok, a representative of the Bulgarian Evangelical churches. He is also alleged to have named Mr Black, and is stated to have admitted that he served the British Legation as well.”