The financial situation of the »Economic League for Istria« (Gospodarska sveza za Istru) (1918-1924)

Abstract

After the end of the First World War, Croatian and Slovenian co-operative societies remained isolated from their centres by a new frontier demarcation line. The social funds remained over the border, mainly in the territory of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, but also in Austria. Many Istrian co-operative societies, such as the societies belonging to Matko Laginja’s »Economic League for Istria« (Gospodarska sveza za Istru), remained cut off from their centres after 1918. The societies that were part of this association, in the post-war period came under the sphere of activity of the »Co-operative Association in Trieste«, and became its members. Laginja corresponded frequently with the »Co-operative Association in Trieste«, particularly when the Austrian currency (Crown) was exchanged after the Rome Treaty in 1924. The request made by the »Economic League« for the exchange of around one million Crowns was rejected, because the League was not a legally recognized Italian institute. But its former members, or those co-operative societies that had their money invested into the »Economic League«, were nevertheless able to convert the Crowns. They were members of the »Co-operative Association in Trieste«: Credit Institute in Lanisce, The Savings and Credit Society in Tinjan, The Savings and Credit Society in Boljun, The Carst Savings and Credit Society in Sv. Lucija near Oprtalj and The Savings and Credit Society in Zrenj. The total of the exchanged Crowns (with the rate 100% - 60%, for 100 Austro-Hungarian Crowns they got 60 Lire) was somewhat less than the amount quoted in Laginja’s request. Those co-operative societies that were in direct contact with the »Co-operative Association in Trieste« were in the end able to exchange the money. On the other side some Istrian co-operative societies had their money invested in the »Economic League for Istria«, but were unaware and had not submitted the request for the exchange of the amount in Crowns through the »Co-operative Association in Trieste«.