KOLKHOZ PROGRAM IN BULGARIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• 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
• Publication Date: May 16, 1951
• Content Type: REPORT

,..,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.
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DATE 0 SIR 16 MAY 51
SUBJECT Kolkhoz Fregeam in Bulgaria NO, OF PAGES 2
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ACQUIRED
DATE OF
INFO.
NO. OF ENCLS.
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SUPPLEMENT TO 50X1-HUM
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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
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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