Original scientific paper
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE USTAŠI UNTIL 1941
Fikreta Jelić-Butić
Abstract
In this article, using both existing literature and new sources, the author has tried to cover the development of the Ustaši movement from its formation until the break-up of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in April 1941. Some basic problems concerning Ustaši activities in Yugoslavia and abroad have been considered. The approach to these problems is reflected in the composition of the text. The first three parts concern the activities of the Ustaši abroad, and the fourth their -work in Yugoslavia. A short review of the literature and sources used is given in the introductory part of the text.
In the first part the formation of the Ustaši movement, as a political organization growing out of the actions of a group in the Hrvatska stranka prava (The Croatian Law Party, the frankovci), is shown. This Party played a peripheral role in Croatian politics after the formation of Yugoslavia, in 1918. The Ustaši movement drew up its basic programme, formulated by its leader Ante Pavelić and in the creation of its organization got support from Fascist Italy. Fundamental to its programme was the Great Croatian concept, -which, in a territorial sense encompassed Bosnia and Hercegovina as well as Croatia and in an ethnic sense gave the right of national survival only to the Croatian nation on that territory. In addition, the Ustaši movement gave its support to the creation of a new European order led by Fascist Italy and the Third Reich and in these forces it looked for and found help for the realization of its aims.
In the second and third parts the activities of the Ustaši movement in trying to form bases in many European countries and in North and South America is given. An examination of various Ustaši actions shows the movement to be a completely terrorist organization that, in the first place, was used by Italy as an instrument of pressure in Yugoslavia. The greatest action that the Ustaši in cooperation with the Macedonian separatists (VMRO), organized was the assassination of King Alexander in Marseilles in October 1934.
The fourth part contains an account of Ustaši activities in Yugoslavia. Even though there -were greater or lesser indications from the beginning of the thirties that the movement existed it did not attain serious proportions until 1936—37. From that time Ustaši propaganda grew stronger and used various means and a number of groups of Ustaši emigrants returned from Italy, among them some of the more eminent members.
Even though it managed to carry on a certain amount of activity abroad and in Yugoslavia itself, the Ustaši movement could not develop into an influental political force. Abroad it was able to attract the attention of Italy and the Third Reich when this coincided with their own interests. But it could not attain any influental political or social basis in Yugoslavia. For this reason -when it came into power it could not pursue an independent role. Its coming to power was in the first place the result of the backing of the Axis powers in a "war situation, of course for their own benefit.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
164929
URI
Publication date:
8.1.1970.
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