ЈУГОСЛОВЕНСКА ВОЈНА МИСИЈА У КАНАДИ (1942−1943) – ИСКУСТВО ЈЕДНОГ НЕУСПЕХА
YUGOSLAV MILITARY MISSION IN CANADA (1942­1943). ONE UNSUCCESSFUL ENDEAVOUR

Summary/Abstract: Despite military defeat and occupation of the country, Yugoslav government in emigration remained an active part of the Allied coalition. Formation of Yugoslav military units in emigration was high on Government`s agenda. In that respect, decision was made to send military mission led by colonel D. Savich to North America on March 1942, in order to conduct recruitment process among Yugoslav migrants. Yugoslav politicians in emigration, as did Yugoslav State in the interwar period, perceived migrants of Yugoslav origine as part of national unity and therefore potential source of recruits for Yugoslav military forces. Without possibility of imposing compulsory military service, both members of military mission and Yugoslav diplomats relied on propaganda and appealed to patriotism. However, final results of recruitment were disappointing. Only 11 recruits and volunteers entered Yugoslav military camp in Windsor (Canada) at the end of the recruitment process and, very soon, they were discharged from Windsor military camp. Misperceptions, migrant sence of identity and belonging, atmosphere of constant hostility and antagonism among both Yugoslav politicians and emigration, obstructive policy of American officials, were some of the reasons for this disappointing outcome.

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