An Audacious Attack

This chapter examines the resurgence of violent Croatian nationalism in Australian politics during mid-1972, marking a critical turning point. Following nearly a decade of rhetorical support from the Liberal Party and minimal law enforcement pressure, Croatian Australian groups launched a significant assault on Yugoslavia intended to incite civil war. This June to July 1972 Bay of Pigs-like operation that surpassed the earlier 1963 attack in scope and success thrust the issue back into national prominence and altered the political landscape. Unlike the early 1960s, the Labor Party now held a more informed and solidified oppositional stance, Yugoslavia had developed stronger diplomatic channels to influence Australian politics, and government agencies including the Commonwealth Police and ASIO recognised the severity of the threat. Despite mounting pressure and changing circumstances, the Liberal Party, led by Attorney-General Greenwood, maintained their sympathetic position toward Croatian nationalists, setting the stage for a political rearguard action as their stance became increasingly untenable in the leadup to a contested election.