ZajednicÌŒar = Fraternalist. [volume] (Allegheny, Pa.) 1894-current, 1955-01-05

Mduy AilcI lCduo dIC dShl
they are showing over our
relations with Yugoslavia can
be understood only in the
light of developments in that
land over the past seven
years.
Right after World War II,
this mountainous country
about the size of Wyoming
was universally regarded as
one of the Russian satellites.
It's communist government
was modelled on that of the
Soviet Union.
But in 1948 a dramatic split
took place. Tito insisted that
his country would not tolerate
Russian control. Thereupon
Yugoslavia pursued an inde-
pendent course, though Rus
sia used all kinds of pressure
to try to upset the Tito gov
crnment. Despite the split,
Tito insisted that he was as
strong a communist as ever.
Broke Trade Relations
Most of Yugoslav is trade
had been with the Soviet I'm
ion and other communist ma
tionS.
The trade was promptly cut
off, causing great hardship
to Yugoslavia. Tito's govern
ment might have fallen had
not the United ST. tes and
other western countries come
to Yugoslavia's aid.
We helped Tito's govern
ment because our leaders felt
it would be to our ad yantage
to encourage the split among
the communist nati@,s.
We wanted to keep Yugo-
slavia independent as an ex-
ample to other Russian -domi-
mated lands in Europe and
Asia that they, too, could
throw off the Sc ;et yoke.
Moreover, we felt that if a
world conflict should break
out, it would be we'll to have
Yugoslavia-with one of Eu-
ropes largest armics-on our
side.
Therefore, Il Uni t c d
States and. certain of our al
lies-especially Britain and
Francc-have helped Yugo-
slavia with economic aid.
United States Steps In
In addition. the U. S. has
assisted Tito in strengthening
and modcrnizing the Yugoslav
armed forces. American mill
tary aid for 1854 has tot; led
more than 200 million dollars,
and we have supplied Yugo-
slavias traditiona :; tough
fighting men with tanks,
planes, and other military
equipment,
Now some Americans are
wondering if our policy to-
ward Yugoslav' should be
changed. What has raised this
ucstion is Yugoslavia S
friendly actions Of late to-
ward her old foes, The Soviet
Union and its satellites.
In recent months, rail traf-
fic has been resumed between
Yugoslavia and several Rus
sian-dominated lands. After
a lapse of several years, the
government of Tito, Yugosla-
Was leader, has resumed nor
NAL diplomatic relations with
the Soviet Union and such
satellites as Romania, Bull
garia, and Hungary.
About two months ago,
Yugoslavia and Russia signed
a trade agreement, ending a
commercial stalemate of six
years. Yugoslavia is now
sending meat, tobacco, soda,
and other products to the
Soviet Union in exchange for
such things as crude oil, cot
ton, manganese, coal, and
newsprint.
For the first time in years,
Tito's speeches have been
published - respectfully = in
Russian newspapers. Recently
Tito announced that v, would
welcome any gesture of good
will from the Soviet Union.
Source OF Contro "~sy
The support we have given
Tito's communist government
has been a source Of disagree
ment among Americans.
Now more fuel is being
heaped on the controversy by
the events of recent months.
Viewing these developments,
some Americans say that we
should stop all aid to Yugo-
slavia. Their views follow:
Recent happenings in Yu-
goslavia show that Tito is
onca moro hocop,ipr chnp,po,-