UNREST IN JUGOSLAVIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1928, Page 8

UNREST IN JUGOSLAVIA.

CROAT DEMAND'S. VIENNA,. Aug. 9. Events are moving, surely, and it may be, rapidly towards a fundamental change in the basis of the government of the Kingdom of the Seres, Croats, and Slovenes.

The political issue is no longer between Government and Opposition, but between Belgrade and the united political parties electorally representing th whole Creation people and the Serbian minorities and inhabitating the Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia, frontiers, the historically independent Croatian knigdom with traditions a thousand years old. The Parliament of- Zagreb, the Croatian capital , is in marked contrast with the Rump Parliament of Belgrade, the Croats maintain. Belgrade represents political and personal groups largely dominated by non-western ideas and a military minority indifferent to the liberties even of the Serbians and inimical 'to the non-Serbian populations.

Zagreb is dominated by.the historical tradition.’of parliamentary institutions on the western model with a constitutional Monarchy, and by ideals of individual and national liberty. Whatever the outcome of the present conflict may be, it is inevitable that Croatia will play, an increased part in the destiny of Jugo-Slavia. ■ It is vital that in© world, ©specially England should understand th© main lines of the national policy of Zagreb. The illness'of M. Stephen Raditch, th© dominant force among the Croatian®, has delayed the official declaration of the general policy of the united parties; although agreement has been reached among the leaders, notably M. Raditch and Dr. Trumbitch.

It is possible, however, most authoritatively. to forecast the principal points of the impending official declaration covering Croatian policy to-day or in changed conditions in the future.

PEACE NOT WAR, The policy of Zagreb is based absolutely on peace and not war; on deeds, not words; oil understanding, not suspicion. The warlike atmosphere of Belgrade and the Little Entente is deplored ,as tending to unending .military expenditure, - while national interests are neglected. It is held to be impossible to, support the Little Entente, which professes peace while relying on bayonets, with Its '.military, national forces in the role of police “ safeguarding. ” the liberty of thiA subject. Defence not pefiance should be national motto of the State. It is held that it is better that friendly delations should be preserved rather than that there be preparation for imaginary dangers. Sound, friendly relations with all nations will be- maintained, especially with neighbours, and it is desired that these ’be based on the fullest study ail’d.diseussioa of actual conditions and points of difference removed.. Really friendly relations with immediate neighbours is held to be more essential than general friendship with far distant unknown States.

The most cbinpi'feliensivo 'economic and general intercourse will be maintained as the surest basis of permanent peaceful relations. RELATIONS WITH. HUNGARY. Regard ing relations with Hungary, the Croatian kingdom is by the tradition of centuries closely linked in friendly personal union and mutually secured liberty. Misunderstanding will then toe prevented. In the past relations have only been disturbed toy the [machinations of Vienna. Now there are no irremovable barriers to the re-establishment of old relations between the two countries, bound by economic interests and friendship. Tn 1905 in the resolution .drafted at Vi time by Dr. Trumbitch the Croatian nation -unanimously supported the Independence Party of Louis Kossuth in the struggle , for Hungarian liberty against Vienna.

A practical step towards friendly understanding is the recognition by Zagreo of the lurgeri t necessity to secure Hungary free access to the sea.. With this is a declaration of readiness to construct a direct railway to the sea and free port accommodation rights on. a long term agreement at a modern port on the Croation Adriatic coast. The necesity of such an outlet is recognised to be of mutual advantage. ITALY. Regarding Italy, it is desirable that friendly relations be developed both by frank discussions on points of difference and full understanding of mutual interests. The dissipation of fears of mutual attacks is the best (basis of per-, manent good relations. The importance of trade with Italy is recognised, and it is felt that peace in the Adriatic will ensue more surely by means of friendship than by limiting treaties.