Review article
Tito's Policy Towards the Allies in the Matter of the Problem of Istria and Slovene Coastal Area, 1941-1944
Vojmir Kljaković
Abstract
Gaining the freedom for Yugoslav territories then alienated was one of the main aims of fighting of Yugoslav people. The specific characteristic of the National Liberation War in Yugoslavia was mostly manifested in pushing the fights over the old Yugoslav-Italian border into the area of Istria and Slovensko Primorje (Slovene Coastal Area), developing almost simultaneously the organs of new people government. In September 1943, when Italy capitulated, there started a mass up-rising soon followed by the proclamations of their annexation to Yugoslavia. That act gave to the problem of Istria and Slovensko Primorje the international aspect, as the assent of the Allies was much needed. USSR accepted the fact, though only informally, but Great Britain was strongly against it. So Tito had to discuss the problem with General Wilson and General Alexander, and in August 1944 with Churchill too - the talks took place in Italy. There followed the exchange of notes and opinions but no assent was given: the British had even the intention to occupy these territories still not acknowledging the lawful rights of Yugoslavia over them. Tito refused to accept that viewpoint and on 12th September he publicly proclaimed the right of Yugoslavia over Istria and Slovensko primorje; that act meant the end of one stage of the struggles of this area and the announcement of a new open fight which was going to reach the mentioned final aim of fighting of Yugoslav people.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
219188
URI
Publication date:
6.10.1972.
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