THE ACTING OF THE YUGOSLAV HOSTILE EMIGRATION IN AUSTRALIA 1965-1980

• Published in: Istorija 20. veka (1983) no. 2; p. 417
• Main Author: Lazić, Radojica
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Belgrade Institut za Savremenu Istoriyu 01-01-2023
• Subjects: Anti-communism; Camps; Communism; Constitutions; Diplomacy; Emigration; Exile; North and South; Political attitudes; Security; Security services; Terrorism; Terrorist organizations; World War II; Australia; Yugoslavia
• DOI: 10.29362/ist20veka.2023.2.laz.417-434
• EISSN: 2560-3647
• ISSN: 0352-3160

The Yugoslav hostile emigration after World War II created serious issues for the newly created country. The entire security sector was in great temptations, especially in the first five years after the war. The biggest danger lay in the defeated and runaway forces of different movements: Ustasha, Chetnik, Ljotić, Nedić, Balli and other movements. After finding shelter in the countries of Western Europe, North and South America, and Australia, the defeated hostile forces have begun their activities targeted against the constitutional order in the former country. Depending on the movement they belonged to, their political and ideological stances differed. Hostile individuals and groups abuse the legally organized exile groups in Australia to recruit new members from them and gather funds for their activities. The anti-communist atmosphere that was present within the majority of Australia's population also benefited the gathering, organization, and activities of the Yugoslav hostile emigration. Because of these reasons, every action against the Social Federative Republic of Yugoslavia and its representatives in this country was considered as an act of fighting against communism. Moreover, the poor level of diplomatic relations had an additional effect on the situation and favored the hostile emigration. Regardless of the differences in political beliefs, the common goal of the extreme emigration in Australia was to take down the constitutional order in Yugoslavia. The targets of the attacks were diplomatic and consular offices and the persons working in them. In illegally organized camps, training for guerilla warfare took place, as well as terrorist activities against Yugoslavia. The terrorist group from the orders of the Croatian Revolutionary Brotherhood was placed in the country in the second half of June 1972. Thanks to the intervention of the Yugoslav security services, their plan was foiled.