The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1943-01-19
The MIKHAILoVlTcH ISSUE


The dispute among various
groups in this country over tho
position-politically and military
Of Gen. Draja Mikhailoyitch, leader
of the Jugoslay Chetnik forces re-
fleets in the distorted form disputes
native 10 Europe. But this one
may some day make trouble for
American troops, II the way OF
European invasion leads through
The Balkans The situation may
be comparable 10 the tangled po-
Htical mess in North Africa.
American groups involved in tho
dispute include the Liberal Week
Iy Press, the Communist Party
Press and American partisans OF the
Serbian, Croat and Slovene ele-
meuts Of Jugoslayia. The trouble
started following the collapse OF
Iugoslavia when Mikhailoyitch, a
Serbian army officer, rallied about
him groups OF soldiers to carry on
Guerrilla warfare. He received Brit
ish support and ultimately was
made secretary for war by the
Jugoslav government-in-exile. On
strictly local matters he has auth
GRITTY to proceed as he thinks ad'
visable. On matters OF major stra'
tegy. he coordinates his effort with
that Of the British high command
for the Middle East.
Last summer, certain groups in
Jugoslavia, feeling that Mikhailo
witch was not putting forth his
most effective effort, organized
partisan" groups 10 carry on ag.
gressive warfare. Some sources
have described them as Com.
munists" who are inspired by the
Soviet Union. The Soviet Union
may have given them some arms
and ammunition, but there was
probably some assistance from
democratic groups OF the left wing,
including Communists, but Jugo-
tlav in origin.
Mikhailovitch's supporters and
those adhering TO the psrtisans
have accused each other OF help
ing the Axis. The dispute has
been OF magnitude sufficient to
force one reorganization of the
Jugoslav government in London. 1t
could lead to civil strife.
Much of the current belief that
the present dispute over Mikhailo-
witch 10 Communist-inspired IS
based on the fact that certain Com
munist publications have campaign
ed against him. But criticism is
not limited 10 the Communist press.
The new republic charges that Rus
sia and Great Britain are playing
power politics" in Jugoslavia by
backing different horses for the
advantages each may gain after
the war. The nation infers that
Moscow Is supplying the partisans
with propaganda and arms and that
London and Washington are sup
porting Mikhailovitch.
Whatever the truth may be, there
Is little doubt but that the situa-
ton can be satisfactorily shaped
10 fit into plans of the Allied ma
tons. An observation, therefore
OF more general importance that
the issue itself is the apparent
readiness Of many people to start
trouble. Herein lies the greatest
nhetacfa 20 fr4nrr.tiorar ,t,dor
standing and world peace. There
seem to be ambitious trouble
makers in every group, no matter
how small. The highest type OF
diplomacy will be needed 10 hold
such men TO the principal OF aid for
the greatest number.
There will always be glib tongued
leaders ready to swing followers
10 their cause Of private gain and
there will be sincere men strong
OF mind but narrow in vision. There
will be group interests and personal
interests. There win be trouble OF
almost every conceivable kind, but
that is what makes the task i'm.
portant No differences OF opinion
no trouble would indicate no prob
lem.
Just about all the people Of the
world will agree that there is a
tremendous problem. To solve II
peacefully will require generous
thinking and generous dealing. II
will also require q new type oil
police force, united not under
scores OF different flags, but sworr
10 support a common cause o.
world peace under guidance OF Z
representative judicial body with
power to act and with ability Z,
deal fairly with all nations big o.
small.