“INDEPENDENT” CROATIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 155, 3 June 1941, Page 4

“INDEPENDENT” CROATIA.

Part of Hitler’s new order in Europe has beeu the creation of an “independent” Croatia and the annexation by Italy of Yugoj slavian territory desired by the j crafty Mussolini. When the de- ' duration of these piratical acts I was solemnised in Rome last ; month, it was stated that Croatia j henceforth would be converted into an hereditary monarchy, but it, is quite clear that the Croat .State lias become, for the time being, part of the Italian empire. In liis admirably worded Note the Yugoslav Minister in London points out that such annexations have been made without authority by persons who have assumed power without the people’s sanction, and that these acts cannot be recognised by the country’s true rulers. The Quisling Croats responsible for this vile betrayal of their country to the Axis Powers are Dr Anton Pavelitch and General Skidko Kvaternik, both anti-Serb revolutionists and proAxis conspirators. The former had a considerable share ill the plot lo assassinate the late King Alexander at .Marseilles in Ueto- j her, 19J4, and he was ably seconded by Kvaternik, though the actual assassin was a Bulgarian. From Italy and Hungary they have controlled a powerful revolutionary organisation designed to overthrow the Yugoslav Constitution, and both countries have shown their enmity to Yugoslavia by aiding and abetting these conspirators. The King of Italy lias, appointed his nephew, the Duke of Spoleto, as King of Croatia, and his rule may well be attended by disaster to himself when the. Croats find, as they must, that I they have sacrificed Serbian domination, however unhappy it has been, for brutally oppressive Axis rule.