KOLKHOZ PROGRAM IN BULGARIA

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP82-00457R007500730006-0
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
2
Document Creation Date: 
December 27, 2016
Document Release Date: 
December 13, 2013
Sequence Number: 
6
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
May 16, 1951
Content Type: 
REPORT
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP82-00457R007500730006-0.pdf182.26 KB
Body: 
,..,Jsr/101 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/12/13: CIA-RDP82-00457R007500730006-0 CENTAt.W:EUTGENCE AGENCY REPOR1 FORMATPO REPORT CD NO. X:U WIRY gar: a DATE 0 SIR 16 MAY 51 SUBJECT Kolkhoz Fregeam in Bulgaria NO, OF PAGES 2 tLCE ACQUIRED DATE OF INFO. NO. OF ENCLS. (LISTED BELOW) 50X1 SUPPLEMENT TO 50X1-HUM REPORT NO. ramiammax ^ ..341CILIZT17 =VIM ISMOVIASIC410, Fal'i MG 4411011,11i. DIMS ? TVI MIMO MEM rma Tne =um or THE ameroct ACT SO 137 L LI=WM, rss vtar.in=grot ouT A1101* 0C3 =ammo 13 nrISI=Elt 11.4 00.11;73111512211 pinup 15 PM, CPO, RESINIAVCIEVI VOMI reonterm. THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION , 50X-i-HUM 1. Until the yeer 1948 the Bulgarian Government did very little about setting up kolkhozes because the authorities were under the impression that, inasmuch as cooperatives have long been a part of Buigarian life it would be a simple matter to make the transition to a kolkhoz. In that years however, all media of propaganda were mobilized to popularize the kolkhoz and encourage peasants to join on a voluntary basis. Contrary to all expectations, the peasants offered opposition to the innovation, 2. In 1949 the authorities initiated a program calling for severe measures against recalcitrant peasants. These consisted of: . A- The imposition of high taxs,s1, scaled to exceed the finances of the payee. b. The forced consignment of a large quantity of produce to the state. c. The confiscation of private woods without reimbursement for the lumber and rood taken. d. The expulsion of members of the family from universities, high sdhools, and professional training schoolso e. The suppression of some food coupons to which members of a family were entitled. ec The development of any pretext to acquisition property. 3. On the other hand, the newly created kolkhozes were granted many facilities. For example: a. The state accepted responsibility for inventory matters. b, Members were granted four years leeway to pay taxes on private property, c. Extra ration tickets were issued for a number of supplementary items; many other privileges were granted. CLASSIFICATION -.e.U.CRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY .01,ST Inn? Document no , Deo 6 Alk did 50X1-HUM Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/12/13: CIA-RDP82-00457R007500730006-0 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/12/13: CIA-RDP82-00457R007500730006-0 Lai/CONTROL - U. S. OotiCaLS ONLY CENTRAL.INTELLIGENCE AGENCY - 2 4. However, inasmuch as many kolkhozes were esteblished in a very brief period of time, the state found itself short of means te extend sufficient aid to all. Ooneegeently? many of them eneoentered difficulties clueing the first 'efee, including deficits; and the peasants v earnings were very low, which added to their discontent. 5. In the village of Gradeta in the Vidin district, there are 6,000 Inhabitants and 1400 homes. Widespread publicity 'wasgiven to the creation of kolkhozes in 1949, but the first one did not get under way until 1950. Only about 150 of the 1,400 households entered the kolkhoz; meny were induced by pressure. They contributed a total of .4300 hoetnres of lands, whereupon the kolkhoe assembly decreed that each membee had the right to five hectares of land, one cc r and three sheep ap ptIrsonal property. Despite this stipulation, no one was given anything. Tho land is cultivated with the same primitive tools brought in by the peasants, because the state tractor station. in Vidin does not have even one tractor in good working condition, or any agricultural implements, 6. The came condition exists in the village of Rakovitea in the Kula district were there are 800 homes. By the end of 3.950 only 270 homes had joineds many out of fear of reprisals. The tractor station in Kula is as poor)y equipped an the one in Vidin. 7. Conditions in Bulgerian villages are bad and getting worse every day. Despite the negative results produced by the kolkhozes the state has continued to give them wide publicity and apply forceful measures against private owners. The peasants are putting up more and more opposition but, at the same time, the terror exercised by the authorities has been increased. As a consequence, there has been an increase in tha number of peasants eecaping from Bulgaria to Serbia. ?OW Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/12/13: CIA-RDP82-00457R007500730006-0