No Prosecutions

During the second half of the 1960s, the Australian government took limited action against violent Croatian nationalism. This chapter examines why this was the case and the factors that led the government to conclude the problem was over. The decision not to crack down harder was backed by advice from ASIO and Commonwealth Police suggesting that law enforcement had discouraged such activities. Further, the Liberal Party’s reluctance to act stemmed from their established pro-Croatian stance and the political embarrassment that would result from reversing course, particularly given their failure to prosecute violent groups previously and Labor’s aggressive criticism. The issue became increasingly complex as international dynamics shifted. Improved relations with Belgrade complicated Australia’s position. Yugoslavia’s importance in trade, migration, and the non-aligned movement made maintaining good relations crucial. The involvement of UDBA in migrant nationalist groups generally and Australia specifically further muddied the waters by targeting diaspora Croatian groups clandestinely. This provided convenient scapegoating opportunities for Croatian nationalists and Liberal supporters, ultimately fracturing the party’s consensus while maintaining public support for Croatian groups despite some concerns about the handling of the issue.