POLITICAL UNREST IN CROATIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00457R000300260009-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 17, 1998
• Sequence Number: 9
• Publication Date: November 1, 1946
• Content Type: IR

Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R C40/260009-5
C ITROL
U.S. OF?ONLY
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP
INTELLIGENCE REPORT
COUNTRY Yugoslavia
SUBJECT Political Unrest in, Croatia
25X1A6a
2514100
DATE:
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25X1A2g
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INFO. Novevber 1946
Ear. SO January 1947
PAGES 2
SUPPLEMENT
1. Dissatisfaction eith the present regime is growing daily as a result of
the strong-arm methods used in the recent elections, and the panes
indignation over the trumped up copse against Stepinac. Although signs
cf this disgust are embodied in continued passive resistance by, farmers
end more intensive Krizari activities, the peoples morale, hitherto
bolstered by hopes of a change, seem now to be going into a distinct
decline.
The 11 November elections were run off in the best dictatorial Demmer
and preceded by great propaganda efforts. Typical of the propaganda
stunts was a mock funeral in the streets of Zagreb, organized around
a coffin which bore a le ago sign "Reakoijeff (reactionary)* The
mourners following the coefin were made up to represent King Peter,
Dr. Meek, Dr* Ante Pavelioh, Archbishop Stepinese, Genera]. Mihailovich,
a German SS general, a Ustaohl general and a British and American
soldier in uniforme
On election day, loudspeakers on, the streets exhorted the people to vete,
denouncing non-'voters as reactionaries and enemies of the people who
neat be liquidated. Persons who had net oast their ballots byndd-aftere
noon wererounded up by election officials and taken to the polls.
4. In the Second Electoral District of the First Region of Zagreb, the
principal candidate for deputy was Dr. Svetozar Rittig (at present Minister-
without-Portfolio in the Croatian Federal Government)* After the election?
source talked to the president of the election commission for this district,
who told him in confidence that Dr. Rittig had actually received a handful
of votes. However, When the results were published, Rittig had about
twenty more votes than the second candidate, Mr. Benjak, and nearly a
thousand more than the third ran, Dr. Rasunine
The Stepinac trial has not produced the effect hoped for by the Communists.
His followers- stillsplace great hope for his release in action by the
Vatican. Details of the case have batmowell known to the Croatian public
both through the distribution of illegal leaflets and by meats of oral,
information given by, Catholic priests. Church attendance since the trial
is higher than ever, except in. San Marko in Zagreb?whareire
L
of the pro-Partisan Clergy, is tolding lassos R DEC
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O-ST A DEP, _iz FBT _
ese FBV
FBK
FEW
5 SPDA
FBZ_
ED B PlizuC
Approved For Release 1999/09/46p9la
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000300260009-5
I ? ?
U.S 0 ONLY
CEET GEME GROUP
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S. In pretest against the regimes farmers are still withholding their products
fromsale to Government purchasing agents. In the region between Nasice
and Doing Viholjaes the Government hes ceased purchasing activity entirely
sinoe the hangings not long ageS of five members of the purchasing commission
by unidentified peasants. Cher forms of passive resistance by the peasants
are refusal to par taxes, and a policy et -non-cooperation with the local
representatives of the Pederal Government.
7. Some time age Erizari seized and burned all the archives of the local National
Committee in Rumrovao, Titols birthplaces and threatened committee members
with death unless they desisted from collaboration with the Communist govern.-
rent. On this oecasion a Yugoslav Army officer was killed. It is rumored
that in suoh oases the Pertisans have murdered farmers in reprisal.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000300260009-5