Changes In Officials Of Yugoslav Association

Northern Advocate, 6 January 1948, Page 7

Changes In Officials Of Yugoslav Association

AUCKLAND, Tue. (Sp.)—The Yugoslav Consul-General in Sydney (Dr. Gruica Zarkovic) left Auckland by flyingboat on his return to Australia this morning. Last night he was not available to confirm a report that he had appointed Mr Jim Belich, junr., of Panorama Road, Penrose, as his agent in New Zealand. Reports of changes in official positions in the Yugoslav Association were confirmed by members of the association. The secretary (Mr M. Ivicivich) has resigned and Mr Tom Jelicich is the new appointee.

With the Auckland Yugoslav community split into two factions, the nonpolitical Yugoslav Club and the. proMarshal Tito Yugoslav Association, the purpose of Dr Zarkovic’s visit has aroused a good deal of speculation. He addressed the Yugoslav Club last Tuesdaj 7 night and was present at the Yugoslav Association's headquarters last evening.

“It seems that there is a censorship in free Yugoslavia and my friends have to find ways of sending letters out to Italy if they wish to tell the truth. ‘‘lf Yugoslavia has freedom why does one middle-aged man who went from New Zealand say that he wishes now that he had broken his leg before he left New Zealand, so he would not have b’een able to sail? “Another says that although he liked seeing his birthplace again, he wished he could return to New Zealand to have a good meal. “In another letter a third man says: ‘Do, not let this letter be seen by anyone. If it comes to the notice of the authorities here I would be put underground immediately. At any rate it would be better to be underground than under Tito’s rule.’ FAIR TREATMENT “I have lived in New Zealand for many years,” said the Auckland Yugoslav. “We get a fair go from New Zealand because we have given New Zealand a fair go. “A few years ago the name of Yugoslavs in New Zealand was a shining thing and then, because of the Communists. because it is possible for young loafers to live freely in New Zealand instead of being kicked out to live in the ‘freedom’ of Yugoslavia, our'name began to deteriorate. “The only remedy is for New Zealand to ask these loafers if they wish to become British subjects. “If they do not, New Zealand should kick them out to Yugoslavia. “If they say they do, they should be ‘sieved’ by the police, and if they are not prepared to settle down under New Zealand laws, work hard, and respect New r Zealand ideals they should be told to get out of it anyway. “Then our name will be- good again. PRESS NOT MISLEADING “Dr Zarkovic says he has been misEepresented by the New Zealand Press which is 'oeiier than it is in most countries of the world. “It is Dr Zarkovic who has made misleading statements. There is no more freedom in Yugoslavia than there is in the Auckland prison. “Dr Zarkovic wants soldiers for the Communist Army of Yugoslavia and money for ihe Communist treasure chest.” DARGAVILLE VISIT At Dargaville on Sunday night Dr Karkovic addressed a meeting of Yugoslavs. He said the Yugoslav Government was certain its five-year plan to industrialise the country could not fail. All banks, trust companies, railways, shipping companies, mines and factories had been nationalised in such a manner that the country's wealth was in the hands of the people.

No official consular representative for Yugoslavia has been appointed since 1944. Until then Mr J. M. Totich. of Auckland, who was not acceptable to certain members of the Yugoslav Association, held the post. It was stated that Mr Bclich’s appointment might be an attempt to compromise with both factions. He would probably act on a temporary basis until a permanent appointment was made. N.W. OPPOSITION Opposition to the rumoured appointment has been expressed by Yugoslavs in the Northern Wairoa district, according to a message from Dargaville. This disapproval, it was stated, was based on the immaturity of the ap- | pointee and his sponsorship by what was regarded as a foreign Communist regime. Yugoslavs in Dargaville said the appointment of Mr Totich as consular agent in the Dominion was terminated cn instructions from Belgrade. He was held in the highest regard by both the bulk of the Yugoslav community and the New Zealand Government, and had the solid backing of 75 per cent of the Yugoslavs in Northern Wairoa. Mr Totich was the most suitable man for the post and his replacement had caused resentment. STRONG RESENTMENT Yugoslavs who had lived in New Zealand for many years and were loyal to the country of their adoption strongly resented statements made by Dr Zarkovic, said a prominent Auckland Yugoslav yesterday. It was necessary, he added, for him to speak anonymously, because it was unfortunately true that the publication of his name could result in the victimisation of himself, his family jn New Zealand and even relatives in Yugoslavia. ‘"Dr Zarkovic has said that Yugoslavs enjoy full freedom in Yugoslavia,” he continued. ”He has come to New Zealand to encourage New Zealand Yugoslavs to return to Yugoslavia and to raise money for Tito's rule. WHAT LETTERS SAY "If it is true that Yugoslavia enjoys full freedom why is it that I have seen letters from New Zealand Yugoslavs which say the reverse? ‘‘These letters are posted from Italy.