Solving the Problem

This chapter examines the contradictory nature of Australia’s approach to Croatian nationalist violence. It reveals how the Liberal government combined rhetorical support with covert surveillance operations. The government’s response was characterised by hesitant, bureaucratic investigation that resembled political theatre more than decisive law enforcement. The Croatian Revolutionary Brotherhood became the primary target of a slow-motion crackdown. The group was subjected to surveillance and infiltration that gradually undermined its capacity without producing dramatic arrests or prosecutions. Security agencies, oriented toward combating communist infiltration, resisted monitoring right-wing ethnic nationalist groups. The investigation was marked by delays, interdepartmental confusion, and reluctance to pursue convictions. The Liberal Party’s fervent anti-communism appeared to support Croatian terrorist groups, while concerns about UDBA’s role complicated responses to anti-Yugoslavian activities. By 1970, despite declaring victory over Croatian militant threats, the government’s assessment rested on fragmentary evidence, with officials questioning whether the problem had been resolved or merely driven underground.