VIA: AMR

..SPECIFY Allt OR SEA Pogo:

.' :SE•CaET . • •CLASSIFICATION . • .

D ISPATCH NO . 1GIA-3404

• T O••

•

• FROM

Dist:-FDif (w/attaah)i

1- COS2 - File

DECL ASSIFIED AND RE LEASED BYC ENTRAL INTELL !BENCE AGENCY

SOURCES.METHODSEXEMPT ION 3828NAZI WAR CRIMES DISCLOSURE ACT

OATE 2006

TT. N

...----r'

19:ATE • -September 1950 .,Chief, Foreign Division M D • .

:thief of Station,.KarisrUbeCOPV'''

Operational t- ZIPPER •

Constantin PAPANACE

SUBJECT: GENERAL -

SPECI F

REF • : 1GL-A-3321

_

1. The attached copy of Macedonia forfMay,1950 captains. 'an article entitled "For Peace and Prosperitrof the RalkOp.•Nations.". This is the report of an interview with_Cdnitantin •

PAPANACE.. . . .`,..............

, 2. I think you will find this of intereet as background,material.

r--

,

SEC 110CLASS I F1 CAT ION

• •• •

COPY '1-111111111111111111.'FORM NO. 51.204

. MAR 1949

A PERIODICAL FOR REPORTING AND INTERPRETING BALKAN EVENTS

Indianapolis, Indiana MAY its,

MACEDON:IOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY OF THE BALKAN NATION

After 1922, as soon as Greece took po ion of her part of Macedonia, her governments without any exceptiontook an unfriendly attitude toward the Arumanians in Macedonia with the stubborn intention of denationalising them.Many steps sore taken along that direction. Recently, this situation of the Armenians in Macedonia has been steadilydeteriorating for the worst. The Greek authorities are doing their utmost in order of efface the last trace of nationalsconscientiousness and existanee of the A rumaniand Thus the A runsanian High School (Gymnasia) in Yanina hoe beenclosed, the lyceum in Grevena as well as the Business High &lung and the Professional School in Sa/onica also havebeen dosed. The ittILM4Riall priests are forced to conduct the service in their own churches in Greek, while manyArionanian teachers are either in prison or interned. In order to acquaint our readers with the plight of the Ammon-ia= in Macedonia one of our European correspondents had a special interview with MR. CONSTANTIN PAPA-N ACE, a well-known former Rumanian Minister now in exile, who has closely observed the perplexed Balkan prob-lems. Following are the views expressed by Mr. Papanaee on the situation of the 'Arumanians in Macedonia, thesolution of the thorny Macedonian Question as well as his stand for the general pacification of the Bathos's Peninsula.

Question: Mr. Papanace, you wereborn in Macedmila and have spentpart of your youth there. Notwith-standing your active participation Inthe social and pelitical life of Rum-aide, you have maintained • keen in-terest in Macedonian developments.Allow me therefire to ask you firstof all, do you tlink that the Mace-donian question Ida been solved since1944, as her preseat rulers, especiallythe Communists . naintain?

Answer: It is true, that despitemy deep concernwith the problemsof our nation, greening under a for-eign yoke, nothing has been able tolessen my intered toward the Aria-martian element al the Balkans, ofwhich I am a pad. A long chain ofstruggle and sairifices binds meclosely with our Jrumanians. I havelived, and still lisp today with theirtragedy. It is forthis reason that Iam willing to earns my views onthe Macedonian question, as well ason other question); of the Balkan na-tions. In reply to your question Iwish to state explicitly, that the Ma-cedonian questioi was not only leftunsolved follovrirg the second WorldWar, but was canplicated still far-ther, due to thelSoviet imperialismand the manipulstions with the fateof this region. The last few yearshave made all of this very clear.

Questlou: Do too believe that be-fore the. last wit the Macedonian

. ,• .

question had been settled satisfac-torily?

Answer: Not even before the sec-ond World War could we have con-sidered that question as settled inany way. The division of Macedoniabetween the three nations which suc-ceeded Turkey, namely: Greece, 'Yug-oslavia and Bulgaria, brought shout1.4 the Bucharest Treaty (1918) andlater confirmed by the Paris Treaty(1919), left gaping, as bloodywounds, • whole series of questiOns,as for example: the question of theAlbanian minorities, the Bulgariansand the Arumanians in Yugoslavia;the question of the Bulgarians andthe Arumanians minorities in Greece;the question of access to the AegeanSea for the Balkan nations, etc. Thefact that the mentioned states did notrespect the rights of these minoritiesaggravated still more the strained sit-uation inherited from the Turkishrule. Especially aggravating was theirpolicy of denationalization. That iswhy the balance created by the men-tioned treaties was a very fragile one,a balance which could not endure,especially during a period of inter-national crises. As a matter of fact,as soon as the second World War be-gan, the established order began toshake from its foundations up. Dur-ing the first phase of the war, Yugo-slavia entered into negotiations withGermany for an access to. the sea)).--sugt. the 3nnexation Saionireand its hinderland, despite all itsagreements with Greece, and Bul-garia extended its occupation of theMacedonian territories held by Yugo-slavia and Greece, in accordancewith its old claims.

It was obvious that these transi-tory conditions likewise could nothave presented the best solution tothe Macedonian questions, even ifthey had remained permanent, justas the present situation cannot beconsidered satisfactory.

Question: Do the struggles andbickering of the last four years go-ing on between the Communist stateson the Bel:sans, or between some ofthem and Greece have anything incommon with the will of the Mace-donian population and its basic in-terests?

ing committees, appearing one afterthe other, may study the Macedonianquestion from the point of view ofthe vital interests of the local popu-lation. Let us hope that the UN whichhas manifested such praise-worthyinterest in the rights of the Africantribes, will not overlook the elemen-tary human rights of the Macedon-ian people.

Queasiest: Did the situation inMacedonia improve or become worsefollowing the end of the Turkish ruleIn 1912, particularly so far as thehuman, national and religious rightsof the people living there are con-cerned?

Answer: Naturally, after the term-ination of the Turkish regime a cer-tain improvement took place, simplydue to the fact that here was theend of a foreign, autocratic and bar-ren regime which had stifled the free-dom of the Christian population,making impossible its normal develp-ment along the traditional road oftheir civilization and centuries-oldculture.

The subsequent division of Mace-donia, however, destroyed her admin-istrative and economic unity. Thenew barriers, raised by the dividingnations brought about disintegrationand decline.

Many cities and ports, such -asSalonica, Ravels, and Bitolya (Mona-

main n their economic hie bid=sever.d as it were from their respec-tive hinderlands.. As to the respect of human, reli-

gious and national rights, the de-generation was only too obvious. Ledby a chauvinist mentality, the nationsheirs to the Turk, adopted a violentdenationalization policy, utilizingfor this purpose every means of ma-terial and moral pressure availableto a modern nation. As result ofthis new situation, the Albanians,Bulgarians and Arumanians lost theirschools in the territories underGreece and Yugoslavia, as Afrell asthe freedom GI organization, thefreedom of the press which they hadenjoyed even under the autocraticrule of the Sultans. It may be said,that at the end they came to theparadoxical situation of regrettingthe passing of the Turkish autocraticregime, which they had fought 30stubbornly. This fact proves only tooeloquently the tragedy of the pres-ent situation.

•

;314vi . yo

Answer: That struggle, as we ailthe conflicting theses maintaine4tbythe respective partners for their ownjustification, have precious little incommon with the vital interests ofthe local population, left only to suf-fer as result of it all. These cam-paigns in reality are on one aide anexpression of the imperialistic Sovietpolicy seeking access to the AegeanSea—through the medium of bloodyriots—and, on the other, the oppo-sition of the Western Powers act-ing as always to block that policy.In other words, we have here recur-ring under a much more dangerousform the old expansionist campaignof Tftrist Russia, dating from twocenturies back, which had alwaysbrought misery to the Balkan na-tions, faced, especially today, with

. hopeless dilemma'. It is obvious, thatif the Eurasian Communism wins,

! the tyranny and organizeil lootingwill spread all over that part of theworld, and that if the other sideemerges victorious, the situation willrevettt to the old injustieles wellknown to the people of those lands.

I wish in no way to belittle theepoch-making decision of PresidentTruman to block the spreading of theCommunist scourge over that part ofEurope. Nothwithatanding the signif-icance of his stand from an interna-tional viewpoint, in Macedonia it willresult in • decided minus, if the oldorder of things is allowed to remain,and decisions are made which do nottake into consideration the humanand national rights of the oppressednationalities in that part of the world.I am of the opinion that the UnitedNations ought to be informed col-lectively on this paradoxical situa-tion, so that the numerous investlget-

Question: Did the Arumanian min-ority, of which you were a member,preserve its churches, schools andnational organizations after 1912?What is its present situation?

Answer: The Arumanian elementsuffered as result of the decisionstaken at Bucharest more than theother national groups. The gradualdestruction of the political unity ofthe Balkan peninsula, brought to Itscompletion during the Balks:. warof 1918 when Macedonia was tornto pieces, inflicted serious blows up-on all social cathegories of the Aru-manian minorities: the big me"chants, the smaller business numwho did most of the continentaltrade on the Balkan peninsula, thewell known "kiradjii," who held vir-tual monopoly over land transporta-tion and the migrating shepherds andtheir flocks, who changed from themountains in summer to the plainsIn wintertime. All of these weregravely affected by the already men-tioned developments. The drawingof new national borders "per longumat latum" parelized the activities ofthis dynamic element. It sufferedanother serious blow due to the col-onization policy enforced by the Bal-kan nations. Greece in particular,used to all advantages the masses ofrefugees from the Caucasus and AsiaMinor to break up the Arumantanminority. The confiscation of thehitherto free pastures forced theArumanian shepherds and cattle-men, who tamed the strongest eco-nomic group there, to change their

Continued on Page 5

FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY OF THE BALKAN NATIONSContinued from Page 1

trade unexpectedly, and the takingaway_of .gs_e rights of_pastcire ruinedthem . ftonomically..As vault 'it thismany of them had to immigrate toRumania. The present civil war inGreece dealt them another crush-ing blow. This war against the "Com-munist rebels" fought mainly in theparts inhabited by Arumanians de-stroyed what remained of theirwealth, and compelled them to bemoved far from the lands of theirforefathers.

The lack of energy and the dila-tory way in which the Athens gov-ernment has been lighting the "reb-els" during the last years, have ledmany to see in this • preconceivedplan for the destruction of the Aru-menials minority which had latelymanifested strong nationalistic feel-ings.

Although this may appear atfirst glance as a far-fetched conclu-sion, it cannot be ruled out as suchin view of the hate-propaganda aim-ed against that minority.—e propa-ganda which has been given placeeven in the official press through thewritings of authorized persons. Aswe have seen, the economic as wellas the social position of the Aru-manian element has grown worsesince it passed under the rule of theChristian nations in 1912.

No less tragic is its situation fromthe political standpoint Yugoslaviaclosed the Arumanian schools andchurches in 1914, disregarding theobligations she had assumed underthe Bucharest Treaty. It should benoticed, that new Communist Yugo-slavia, whose constitution—fashion-ed after that of the Soviet Union—is in theory lavishly disposed towardnational minorities, did not eventhink for a moment to give back tothe Arumaniane their cultural andreligious freedom. This only provesthat the new leaders of Yugoslaviahave not abandoned the old policyof denationalization, despite the pro-clamation of the "Macedonian Re-public." In Alhania the Armenianschools were abolished through theso-called "nationalization," a Slowprocess which has now been complet-ed.. Bulgaria tolerated the few ex-isting :ie./Cols, as those in Sofia, Gor-na-Djoumaya, etc, but did not al-low additional new schools Gil. ' theArumanien minorit y in the moun-

thit it was from there that Alexand-er the Great began the unificationof the Balkan peninsula, and thatSalonica is the...birthplace of Cyriland Methodius, as well as of St Di-mitrius, the patron of the tity.

Questions Do you believe that theMacedonian question will be themain cause for mutual suspicions,hatred and enmity among the Balkanneighbors while it remains unsolved?

-Answers It is clear, as history hasproven in the past, that practicallyall the suspicions, hatreds and enmi-ties on the Balkans spring from theuncontrolled appetities of the Belaunations for possession of Macedonia.It is easy to see that these tendenciesshall continue so long as Macedoniaremains • prey to such ambitions.The situation can be changed basical-ly only if the Balkan neighbors couldcluck their aggressive appetites andbe reconciled to the fact that thisprovince is one INDIVISIBLE unit,30 created by nature, geographically,and so proven by a thousand yearsof history. The various nationalitiesin Macedonia are so mixed that noteven the drastic and inhuman meth-ods, as for example the exchange ofpopulations, could separate her intoIsolated groupings, without creat-ing still greater injustice.

Having mentioned the existing sus-picions, I would like to point to oneof those, in this case concerning theautonomy of Macedonia. This ideadefended strongly by the Bulgarianelement, is not but a mask—an in-termediary stage after which willfollow the annotation of Macedoniato Bulgaria, in fulfillment of thepan-Slav policies of Moscow. It isquite plain that those who are ac-quainted with the often bloody con-flicts between the leaders of theMacedonian Bulgarians and officialBulgaria, conflicts caused by theformer's idea of independence, can-not be fooled by that campaign. Inorder to put an end to the specula-tions of certain malicious interna-tional circles, I am of the opinionthat the Slav-speaking population ofMacedonia should adopt a firm atti-tude towards the pan-Slav agitationsof Moscow.

Question: Do you think that an in-dependent Macedonia will contributetoward the • pacification of the Balk-ans, and:, the rapprochemnet of theBalkan nations? . ...

dependent Macedonia should be or-ganized in similar fashion SO Switzer-land?

Answer, Theis j no doubt thatSwitzerland could Inmany ways betaken as an exainple. The decentral-ised administrsilion of Switzerlandas found in the 'organization of thecantons, approximates the geographicconstruction of Macedonia as well asthe different languages spoken bythe respective nationalities. Togetherwith this, however, as I mentionedbefore, there must prevail in thecountry the 'ffibpral . and tolerantspirit characterigfiq of the Swigs Peo-ple. It would be neceseary to uproot—by proper effibmtion—the so-called"spirit of petty Balkan craftiness,"growing there as a parasite intro-duced by totem-regimes and theirintrigues. The ,sazne spirit of tol-erance and correeness must be mani-fested on the part of Macedonia'sneighbors, who should treat her in-dependence as France, Italy and Ger-many treat the independence of theSwiss federatitisrrLet us, however,keep within the . frame of reality. Itshould be noted tbat „the existingcomparison betVens43Witzeriand andan independent Vskedonia should notbe overdone. It should not be for- Igotten that Switzerland is a moun-tainous country, . occupying fromevery point of Stay only a peripheralposition, so failiF her neighbors areconcerned. Macedonia, however, oc-cupies a central position on theBalkans, and is, 'as I have alreadymentioned, the beast and lung of theBalkan peninsula. Because of this,her natural rose is that of an uni-fying magnet. Jibe cannot remainisolated. That setting has predestinedher for • much more dynamic andrestless fate.

Question: Do the Great Powershold any responsibility for the factthat the Ma:Siaian question re-mains still u .

ed and the Mace-

donian people are left without rightsor freedoms?

Answer: Theyilcertainly hold partof the responsib ty and not a smallpart at that. I could say that the so-called "balkanism" is a product ofthe intrigues of the Great Powers,who impregnated,' the oriental vicesof the Turkish rule, vices, however,foreign to the unspoiled heart ofthe Macedonietqhat is a heart fullof ” M"■1• . ; '0011.134 and an insatiable

3

pa.:Up to the last war Greece had al-

lowed the majority of the ATuman-ian schools remaining from the timeof Tnpkish domination to continue,being eatisfied with indirect sabotageof their work. But in Ennui andThessaly no new schools were per-mitted despite the large numbers ofArumanians living there.

Alter the second World War, how-ever, taking advantage of the factthat Romania was on the losing side,Greece closed all Arumanian schoolsand churches, confiscated their prop-erties and records under the chargeof "collaboration," as Rumania wason the side of the Axis powers andimprisoned all priests and teachersas well as a large part of Arumanianmunicipal officials.

All this was preceded and support-ed by a vicious campaign in thepress, suplemented by other threat-ening measures akin to the "pro-gressive" methods used on the otheraide of the "Iron Curtain." In suchmanner were wrung from those in-terned people declarations in whichthey rejected their Rumanian na-tionality and religious affiliations.Some time ago these declarationswere :broadcast by Radio Athens inthe atternpt to prove that there wereno Arnmanians in Greece' All thisproves that Greece violated all herobligations under the BucharestTreaty, as well as the provisions ofArticle 12 of the Paris. Treaty of1919. More than that—by her ac-tions Greece has destroyed the moralfoundations on the basis of which shehad been the recepient of materialand moral support by the GreatAmerican Republic.

IT COULD BE SAID, THERE-FORE, THAT TODAY THE ARU-MANIAN ELEMENT—A POPULA-TION OF HALF A MILLION PEO-PLE—DOES NOT ENJOY ANYHUMAN, RELIGIOUS OR NATION-AL RIGHTS IN ANY OF THEBALKAN NATIONS, BE THEY OhTHIS OR THE OTHER SIDE OFTHE "IRON CURTAIN."

Question: Can the Macedonianpopulition* prosper *economicallywhile Macedonia remains partition-ed among her neighbor states?

Answer: -As I pointed before, not.only the Macedonian population, butall the Balkan nations as well cannotprosper while this region remains di-vided. Macedonia and her port, fia-'erica, has always been the heart andlung of the Peninsula. Her meaningas a moving factor, both economical-ly and spiritually, has been proven byhistory. It suffices to recall the fact

Answer: I am of the opinion thatan inde6ndent Macedonia,- that is,a "Macedonia for the Macedonians"will contribute substantially towardthe end of the present conflicts andtoward friendly relations on the Bal-kan& That has been the opinion ofpractically all outsiders who havedealt impartially with this question,men such as William Gladstone, LordBryce, J. D. Bourchier, ColonelLamouche and others. The fact thatthis view has not prevailed is duemainly to the suspicions I have men-tioned, as well as the political anddiplomatic game motivated by con-sideration having nothing to do withjustice for Macedonia. I believe thatan independent Macedonia would bewelcomed not only by the oppressednationalities there (Bulgarians, Aru-manians, Albanians and Jews), butas well by all such immigrant groupslilting in various countries. Well-known is the sharp conflict existingbetween the local elements and theworld of the "old kingdoms," a worldof office-holders, judges, and the like,who arrive on the scene almost al-ways in a mood of aggression, mani-festing habits unsuitable to the localmentality. But, apart from that; theunification of Macedonia will revivethe circulation of wealth and give newImpetus to the economic life ofthecountry, especially in the sectionsnow under Greece (the ports of . St-lonica, Ravels, ate.)... To assure the existence of an in-dependent Macedonia, and' its fullinternal tranquility, it is essentialthat a new widespread feeling ofunity be created, a unity based. onvalues surnaming the petty . chauvin-ist mentality of the past. Otherwise,:if the same outdated conceptions re-main, the country will revert to thesivation of 1912, that is, indent-11111aMacedonia shall be torn asunder, bothfrom within and without by the oldcentrifugal tendencies; and inter-playing forces of denationalization.

On the other side; it should not beforgotten that the Macedonian ques-tion is related to other Balkan pre's,lems iittuch a Way, that its•flnallion must be sought within the solu-tion of all of these complex problems.

United. the Is:fetingConditions,. anatmoiPliVnrni,,NtMiVeriribilll'hcreated, much easier IL.the :nationali-ties in Macedonia and the rest of theBalkan countries woeld take intoconsideration their mutual intereiti,deep and permanent as they are,rather than examine their small:diff-erences under a magnifying glass.

Que.tion: Do you feel that an in-

thirst for free/Coml.-It Is thit-feirithirst for freedein that the GreatPowers have exploited whenever itsuited their polilleal game in thatpart of the woridhwhich assumed ex-ceptional strategic importance fol-lowing the opening of the Suez Ca-nal.

The Balkan esations have oftenbeen inflamed fax outside in orderthat a situation • created wherebyworld opinion would be diverted fromother Internet:iota/ or internal prob-lems in which tWreat Powers wereinvolved. Russia,. the so-called "de-fender of the South Sla ys," oiof. the"Christian states:" is particularlyfond of creating. such Inauspiciousdiversions. In this manner has beencreated the ceinplicated "EasternQuestion" whesevointion has grownmore and more difficult. And it is inthis game of intrigues, maneuveringand auspicious of- the Great Powersthat we shoul4.4w15.for the explana-tion of the fact flu the Macedonianquestion has no ;yet found its na-tural solution.

This shamefu'Wanipulation withthe longings of the Balkan nationscontinues, unfordinately; to this veryday with the same negative resultsas in the napas,t7.4

These0c."::

rId.

ti ' realize thatwithout an understanding amongthem, they chance to remain forever •in the position efiliuppets of the for-eign powers,- fereker tortured andexhausted by internal struggles. Letus hope that th iervention of the.United States menta and theUnited Nationi e European at-fairs, .will comp e.support of theright cause, to this troubledcorner of the o•the spirit oftolerance and no Hip by.whiavalonecan be put an Vi.intrignet‘iintfruitless agitab „

Questions , "basil, in youropinion, co an‘ relations beestablished ...molt so idly/ Whit isyour opinion concerning . a Balkan-fefleration or . ederation, men-:tioned repeated' for many years?

Aesuierr. I am lad yoefinive ask-ed rne-this---qu ns: . So fir I haveonly establish' and conclu-sions and mad aliens, which,no matter how.o %VD natural-Iv awaken-there, 1)iy WU that lie:pr . grese can de along `iCion;,e ve itne• - . lr by digging upthe past. It will be-decidedly to every;body's advantage. if much of thatpast could be fOrgotten. Today ourvision should be directed toward thefuture, toward the new problems fac-ing the European nations, and spec-

■ -• .• • • ■-••,,,• •• • ..

jelly toward the serious dangerforig-Mating in Ennuis.'

I must confess that I . am a con-vinced supporter of . th e ."unityamong the Balkan nations-U.-Only.Within this , frame can the Macedon-

. Ia question., fitid . 1t1 basic solution,and as many other questions find ajust and lasting solution. Within thesame frame, I hope, will be createdthe necessary conditions for the.peaceful • development of the Aru-inanlan element on the Balkans: inMacedonia, Albania, Epirus, Thee-may and Other parts of the peninsula.

It is nigh time that following theprocess of division on the continentof Europe, due to the spread of na-tionalism—based upon spoken lan-guages—there should begin the. pro-

•cola of rehabilitation, grounded uponthe still deeper biological faders,without the loss of that which- Is

.good in the spirit of patriotism. Thisis the requirement of the new times,marked with specific necessities, in'the fields of technology, politics, mil-itary science, economics, social I.sues, etc. Contrary to the past, whenattempts at • Balkan federation wereprompted by considerations for polit-ical balance—considerations by na-ture .egotistic and cold—this timethey should be based on deeper andmore lasting foundations. The Balk-an nations have become used to re-garding each other as enemies, main-ly on the basis of language differ-ences. They have not realized thatbeneath these outward differencesthey share a common origin and thesame blood, often shed in one' andthe. same fate. .

'Starting out from such an under-standing of the unity of the Balkans,many of the conflicts of the past will

• fade into insignificance. Acting inthis manner, the field will be clear-ed of many obstacles seemingly un-surmountable today.

Naturally, the question is many-aided, bound as it is with difficultiespresent at every beginning. I havebeen convinced, however, in conver-sations with various Balkan leaden,and some western statesmen inter-ested- in the problems Of Southeast-ern Europe, that attempts could bemade toward such a beginning.

The substance of this problemstated in . detail in the points I have

. made• in an article written on thismatter. These points are as follows:

1. No solution to the Balkan'questions—as well as to other slink

6. The BAlka nations . will not findpeace or balance before they basetheir 'progress upon that which istruly . specific,, that which Is repre-sentative.af-the -common -foundationsexisting. AU the emotions—some-times leading to neurosis—that haveCaused bloody convulsions in thatpart of the world, are due to a largeextent to the fact that this truth hasso far been neglected.

Din to the absence on the Balkansof a center of gravity of its own, itwas possible for a number of peri-pheral tendencies to . penetrate intothe 'region, tendencies sueL as pan-byzantianism—fed by Greek ideasof greatness, also pan-rontanisin—'supported by the neolatin element onthe Balkans (Rumanians, Vlachs,etc.) and exalted in our days byMussolini's -fascism, and finally, theEastern . Orthodox and Communistpanslavism of today. All them peri-pheral tendencies increased the con-,fusion on the Balkans, and compli-cate: the solution of their problems.The last tendency—that of the Com-munist pan-slavism, is becoming par-ticularly threatening and cannot bedefeated but by another idea, whichin this ease can be only the .idea ofauthochthonism.. O. The Balkan spirit has a sub-stance which distinguishes it fromthe wavering Byzantian character,the lumen pragmatism and, particu-Isuiy the decaying features of theSlay :soul Enriched'. by the Thracianconception of the "Immortality of thesoul," to which latter was added theChristian idea, the Balkan spirit isknown for its absolute thirst • forfreedom, for the prominence of itsmoral values, for its cult of the fam-ily, its stern customs, unusual fight-ing prowess (well illustrated in thepersonal bravery of the "taiduti")and, generally speaking, for its heroicoutlook on life. This same outlook isat the basis of the present movenientafor freedom. All these characteris-tics are in their very essence cont-rary to low morals of the mob andthe all-degrading spirit of Commun-ism. It is nigh time that this' bestressed systematically and set upagainst the Communist idea.

7. The political unification of theBalkan peninsula, as well as otherplans for unification on a largerscale, is in this .new era an unyield-ing necessity, imposed by the tech-nical and economI4 ovolution and itsdeep reflections upon national se-

•

---irichileins=;senir-taa realaao ..914toccasslir2;.• By the force of circumstance thewhile there existis the present ten- present situation on the Balkans can-non between the Crest Powers, a not. prevail. If • the democratic pow-tension due to hardened irreconsil- era cannot find a common principleable and diametrically opposed Wen:

logical positions. uniting them against the stand of'An atmosphere of freedom is es- Communism, all their material efforts

sent'sl here, and if the totalitarian to block Communism in that part of •the world will remain ineffective.way of thinking does not retreat,Only the federation of the Balkanfreedom could not be achieved but.thcougn a now armed conflict, which nations in an atmosphere of unity,

Would overturn the present distribu- based upon the principle of freedomlion of power in favor of the liberal and equality for all—under a systemofideas. decentralization of authority andand democratic . 2. The solution of the Balkan autonomx—could give the answer toproblems should not be sought in the local aspirations, surpassing the

elasticity of the Conimiinia84actica.multitude of contradictions of thelast century, nor in the heated dis- 8. In the frame of such • fdere'mites, fed by subjective interests, Lf lion, a large part of the controversialnot by evil designs. Only through a problems that poison the relations'NEW IDEA rising by its very sub- between the respective nations, couldstance above all contradictions, could die-be mellowed down gradually andthe field be cleared, and all obstacles appear completely. Some of, those

problems have already been eased at •to a just and, lasting solution re- Pmoved. certain .localities through re-group-

8.• An essential cendition is the ing of the mixed . population. Thisabandoning of extreme nationalism- method can be applied in Macedoniachauvinism. Of course, it most be with good chances of success,

of the considerableespec-

kept in mind, that the nationalist tally in viewides, especially among the Balkan numbers of forced exiles, awaiting

a regime of freedom in order to re-nations—young and temperamental—has a contagiousness which can- turn to their homes.not-be overlooked. The best proof of 9. The problem of Macedonia.callsthis .is found in the fact that even for special handling due to the cell-Ciatinnity, humanitarianism, and tral location of that country; the in-itliological Communism, which were termingling of its population and thesaturated through with this extreme feet that it is the cause of most of'naticinalism, were turned quite often the conflicts on the Balkans.. Only byInto mere Masks worn by the disput- the creation of an independent Mace-iniparties. The only normal path to (Ionia, included in a Balkan federa-follow lies not in the direction of, re- tion eould be solved such delicatejeering this idea, but of elevating it problems, as: access to the sea for theto a higher level, utilizing it in • nations in the northern part of thebroader and nobler plan.. . •:" peninsula—Serbia and Bulgaria; se.

4. Serious , ethnographic • and en- curity for Greece; the aspirations-ofthropelogical studies,have proven that the Albanian, Arumanian and Gre-

AIN, synthesis of the old races (Bet- cianophile minorities in the parts of('anee, Thracians and Iliriatis) has 4- Macedonia at present under Yugo-iernilthrOutthotit history and is dom. slay and Bulgarian rule, as well theIiiln even today. The later races. Bulgarian, Arununian and Alban-tinier-1y the Latins, Slays, Turainans, ian minorities at present in GreekLayantians; etc., could I not suffocate Macedonia. In this way the province,it, but. only added variety to Ulcer- which has been a cause of dissensionisting racial composition. All Silken on the -Balkans, and a "powdernations are the result of this historic keg'. for Europe will now become . •mixture of races, and have the same a province of unity and agreement:elements in their physical makeup. '10. The creation of a Balkan fed-Now is the time to see that thia truth eration based upon the principle ofasadmes, political. meaning as well, the freedoms guaranteed by the.aervIng principle in Charter ,cif the United Nations, willkbaiSfetion otthafi:kan facilitate the solution of other con-

oute.nellecting, :.im- troverrinall questions on the Balkans.Ottian...of the rtongues • äpó Len on Likewtie,' some of the internal crisesthe peninsula,' the emphasis must be in the Balkan states will be resolvedPlaced upon the common blood and under the new, regime of de-central-social . structure. Less ittenthin ization and autonomy.shotild be paid to lingual , differenees; In view of the racial affinity, simi-forgetting the divisions we should larity of customs, and common eco-

. build upon the permanent and unify- nomic structure of the Danubianing biological factors.

• 1 • • ••• v

•MACEDONIA

MAY, 1950

ntinued tiozi Page 5countriesj it is postible for the Balk-an feder tion to weed over the ter-ritory of the formee . Hahsburg mon-archy. T us coul4 ibi created • realfederatio in the 'hole of EasternEurope, Rich will feeilitate the soh,-tion 9f many of the problems in thatpart of he world,. particularly theproblem V the eciolomle vitislity ofAustria.

11.T Soviet occupation of $ast-hieern Euro has sleeken in the pea&of those unfortunate nationa therealized° of tl; " COMM011;4 . •The prent mo t may well beconsider advantageous for the pop-ularisati4s of the federation idea,more so cause thir desire for fed-eration beginoint ito spread amongthe noaaa4s of the people.

12. Thp Idea ofi a 'United "Europewill and} an elly -in a federatedSoutheastern Euroye, which will be• part of the united continent, to-gether vrith such miler regional fed-erations as the Iberian peninsula,Italy. Scendinavla,, eta. In its turn, aUnited Eltirope world be an Impor-tant parlj of a United World. The

, peninsula Oh ethnological corn-geographic andlocation: of the Balkan

I position -of its populations enable itto act as' a link, as well as to retch

I in mane directions: toward the; Slav-UralrAlteics is „vast Eurasia;

• manians, Arumanig", etc. to thethe Letitia, reprehjeted by the Ru-

IWest, as well as !weird the nationsOf the Near East. '-•

I would like to nipil here that theformer tinder-secs etary of State,Sumner 'rens, suggests in his hook"The Time for Dhh,sion" the crea-tion of a Balkan federation includingRumania; Albania, Greece, Bulgariaand Yugoslavia as a guarantee of thepeace in Southeastern Europe. Such ablock, well organized, will in realitybe an iniportant factor in the bal-ance of Flower, as it will prevent he-gemony dn the Sedans.

Lest qiseetiont What do you thinkis the role of the Americans of Balk-an desceat, nambl$ aGreeks, Bulgar-ians, Rumanians, Albanians, Serbs,Croatians, etc., in the common effortfor the just solution of the contra-venial ',dues in Chet part of Europe?. Answell: The role these can playmay be not only considerable, butdecisive lin bringtig peace on theBalkans. I know that at the time theUnited States ati,../ted an isolation-ist policy, those .teheigrent greupewere 8th:rely nationalistic. The nos-talgia ler their native lands keptthat nationalistic spirit burning. Thesituation now has changed radically.With thrt old American isolationistpolicy forgotten, aid her active par-ticipation in world affairs felt inevery part of the globe, it is timefor the nientioned immigrant groupsto give the tone to their countrymen

in the Old World. The flame of Amer-ican freedom, kindled In the coun-try where human lights were firstproclaimed, must bu carried in theBalkans to overcome the darkness ofchauvinism still existing there. Thespirit of justice ano tolerance thoseimmigrants inhale In their new coun-try, must be conveyed to the lead-ers of their native lands. The Anglo-Saxon idea of fair play should rulein the relations among the Balkannations. It may well be a symbolicgesture of tremendous significancefor those immigrant groups, to createthe first impulse toward brotherly re-lations on the Balkans, for unity inMacedonia, and- Balkan unification.United appeals could be made be-fore the UN seeking the same end.I am certain a cause as noble asthis would gain the support not onlyof official America, but as well ofAmerican public opinion, so activelyInterested in this present situation inSouth-eastern Europe and the

called "powder keg" on the Balkans,which has been the cause of world-

, wide explosions in the past.The motto of all Balkan nations

should be "End to all fruitless con-flicts of the past." This Peninsula,which has in the past brought forthglorious periods masked by history aseras of culture and civilisation,should again, after dark centuries offoreign rule, pick up the thread ofIts creative tradition. Working forthe Independence of Macedonia with-in the framework of Balkan unity,the Americans of Balkan descentten help bring to their brothers a-cross the ocean justice, peace andprosperity in all fields of human en,cleaver, thus putting an end to •nightmare, which has harrassed fora long time now not only Europe butthe world as well.

It is thus that I conceive the nob-lest contribution the Americans ofBalkan descent can make to the solu-tion of the Balkan problem.

YUNDOLA—a summer resort in the Rhodope Mountains, situeted onthe most northeas.ern tip of Macedonia. Here pa the geopraphicalboundary line beweue Macedonia sad Halperin.

1011.0MYYSMIAIIKPYran.. I