Opposition to Partisans Was Haphazard

Chronicle (Levin), 14 June 1946, Page 5

Opposition to Partisans Was Haphazard

Press Assn.-

MIKHAILOVITCH'S ADMISSiON

Bv Teleciravh

-Comiriaht

Received Friday, 10.40 a.m. BELGRADE, June 13. General Draga Mikhailovitch, formor chief of the .Yugoslav Army, who is being t.ried on collaboration charges, admitted to-day that the Chetniks fought alongside the Germans, Whiue Russians, Bulgarians and Quisling forces against the partisans in Serbia in 1944. He described the aeticn as haphazard. After lirst denying that he received material aid from the Serhian Quisling Premier, Neditch, Mikhailovitch agreed it was possible that his units received material in trucks, and also thirty railway wagon-loads oi wheat for the people. "I was a great enemy of Neditch," Mikhailovitch eontinued. "He gave me thirty days' gaol when I was a colonel." Mikhailovitch insisted that when the partisans did not attack hina he fought against ihe occupying forces. He said the Germans, in September, 1944, asked hitn to arrange a meeting witli the United States officer, Colonel Roberl McDowell, to mediate ior a (o ranui surrendel*. The German re^resentative, Sterker, said he wanted discussions with the Western Allies. The Germans would capituuite bei'ore all the Allies, but Ihe danger of Commiinism stili exisled and the Germans and Allies sliould unite. Colonel McDowell rephed. "Don't worry about that. You will liave to capitulate to the Aliies." Mikhailovitch said he told Sterker that Geriu-.ui intrigues between the Soviet and Allies would not succeed. He added flint the interview between Colonel McDowell and Sterker oreutrod in his presence. He would nid. h.ive received Sterker il' Colonel McDowell had not been with him. Then, poinling to the indictment, he said: "Someone is trying to give a wrong impression."