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Danilo Kovač, PhD
Institute for Contemporary History, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia

 

TROUBLED ITALIAN-CROATIAN-GERMAN PARTNERSHIP: ITALIAN OCCUPATION OF THE THIRD ZONE AND USTASHA VIOLENCE AGAINST THE SERBS IN 1941

Vol. XLIII, 2/2025, pp. 309–322
https://doi.org/10.29362/ist20veka.2025.2.kov.309-322

 

ABSTRACT/RESUME:

This paper examines the causes and progression of the Italian occupation of the Third Zone of the Independent State of Croatia. The analysis of this occupation, which has evoked conflicting historical interpretations, merits thorough examination as it represents a significant episode in Italian-Croatian relations. Additionally, the sources generated within the context of this episode shed light on significant internal processes within the Croatian state including violence against the Serbs. The research draws on Italian, Serbian, Croatian, German, and French sources and historiography. The paper argues that the Serb uprising posed challenges for the German authorities, who sought to leverage Italian forces and consequently prompted the Italian occupation of the Third Zone. This German initiative may seem paradoxical, as it facilitated the expanding influence of their Italian rival within NDH. Furthermore, the occupation of the Third Zone demonstrates how violence against the Serbs jeopardised Pavelić’s reputation among his allies and certain circles of the Croatian populace. Moreover, the violence undermined Croatian interests and independence, providing the Italians with reasonable justifications for further occupations. The sources analysed in this paper demonstrate an escalating Italian-Croatian antagonism following the occupation. Specifically, the Italian Army became more inclined to use force against the Ustashas than it had been a few weeks prior. Additionally, the occupation of the Third Zone likely deepened disappointment among Croatian political circles toward Germany, as the Germans rejected Croatian requests for assistance. The occupation of the Third Zone intensified processes that were already underway: the erosion of Pavelić’s reputation within Croatia, differing policies between Italian military and civilian authorities, the exacerbation of antagonism within the Italian army towards the Croatian authorities, and the disillusionment of Croatians with the Germans.

 

KEYWORDS: Ustasha, violence, Serbs, Italy, Independent State of Croatia, Third Zone, Pavelić, genocide

 

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