Bar, Saturday 10 February 1940
"Do you have any idea why The Boss summoned us?" asked Lieutenant Commander Marko Mihajlovic, commander of the minesweeper Galeb. The officer beside him, Lieutenant Commander Josip Hocevar of the minesweeper Jastreb shrugged. "I haven't a clue. The entire flotilla is preparing for exercises and there's so much to get done before we sail."
"Something must be up," responded Mihajlovic, "or else The Boss would have called all his officers in." Their journey through the sprawling naval base ended as the staff car drew up in front of Naval Headquarters. Mihajlovic, the senior by three weeks, exited first, followed by Hocevar. The sentries on duty snapped to attention as the officers entered the four-story office block.
Captain Danilo Kalafatovic, commander of the Royal Yugoslav Navy's First (and presently only) Minesweeper Flotilla sat at his desk, re-reading the orders before him. He was still surprised at them, and their assurance that no significant issues were expected. "That", he thought, "must be the bonzen at the Foreign Ministry." A knock at the door called his attention. "Galeb and Jastreb arriving," announced Kalafatovic's yeoman, ushering the two officers in.
"Sit down," Kalafatovic ordered, following the obligatory exchange of salutes. "I have orders for you. I am not certain whether you will like them or not." Mihajlovic and Hocevar nodded slightly, wondering what was meant, but sat opposite thei commanding officer.
"The Naval Staff," Kalafatovic began, "have ordered me to nominate two vessels of my command for a special assignment, one requring experience and good judgment. You are my choices." He paused but a moment, not allowing the compliment to sink in deeply. "At the conclusion of our currently scheduled exercise Galeb and Jastreb will detach and set course for Venice, where you will call upon the Italian authorities for a good will visit. My yeoman will have your written orders for you when you leave."
Mihajlovic and Hocevar sat stunned. Not since the Great War had there been a shred of cooperation between Yugoslavia and its Latin neighbor, and much bad feeling. Each now understood their commander's uncertain views on their selection. Hocevar spoke first, "Venice sir? It's not a major naval base. Why send us there?"
It's something set up by the Foreign Ministry," Kalafatovic answered. "I suppose they think we can show the Italians that we are not savages with forked tails."
"Let me make this clear," he contined. "There will be no incidents, no brawls, no insults hurled. You and your crews will conduct themselves correctly at all times during your visit. All honors and salutes will be promptly rendered and answered. Your vessels will be open for official and unofficial visits, and if you are invited to visits you will accept such gracefully. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal clear, sir" Mihajlovoc answererd. "It seems we have much to prepare."