WesWorld

Belgrade, Dunavsko Brodgradiliste, Saturday, 1 January 1949

His Highness Prince Andrew stood at the edge of the dry dock over which clambered workmen making ready to lay the keel of Royal Yugoslav Navy’s latest river vessel. The biting cold wind that blew across the freezing Danube cut to the soul. He was not in a happy mood.

“It is time you take up public duties they said. Then why am I here? Tomislav is busy in Bar, overseeing the start of real warships. What do I get to do? Lend royal approval to the keel-laying of a river tug! And Petar, where does anyone think he is?”

The dock’s crane was attached to the first large piece of steel and carefully lifted from the side of the dock and gingerly placed upon the keel blocks were the River Tug A would take shape in the next several months. The crowd responded with cheers and shouts of “One Flag, One King, One Nation”…

Andrew dutifully acknowledged the acclamation of those assembled. He remained a few minutes more at the side of the dock before retreating into the comparative warmth of the limousine that would return him to his lodgings.

Delivery Status Report, 31 March 1949

Domestic Ground Ordnance Production

M43 Service Rifle -:- 39,000
M47 GP Machinegun -:- 1,800
M39 Aircraft Machinegun -:- 150
M37 Tank Machinegun -:- 90
M47 Recoilless Gun -:- 600
M32 Hand Grenade -:- 240,000
Small Arms Ammunition -:- 21,000,000
Artillery Ammunition -:- 315,000


Domestic Vehicle Production for Royal Yugoslav Army

Zastava M40 0.25-ton Truck -:- 150
Zastava M41 1.5-ton Truck -:- 600
Novi Sad M44 3-ton Truck -:- 1,010
Novi Sad M46 Artillery Tractor -:- 450
M47 Half Track Infantry Carrier -:- 36
M48 Medium Tank -:- 15


Aircraft Deliveries

Soko Strsljen -:- 15
Utva Lasta -:- 12

Outside Belgrade, “The Little House”, Friday, 7 January 1949

The Baranovs has spent a week and more visiting the cities and the countryside of Yugoslavia under the watchful eye of their guide, Adem Čejvan, King Petar’s equerry. Each in their own way had found the contrasts charming, challenging, and informative. Xenia seemed enthralled by the customs of various people united under the leadership of ‘her’ Petar; her mother and father recognised how far the country had come in its march towards modernity, as well as how far it had yet to go.

Now they were due to return to Paris, where Xenia would continue her studies; but before departing they had returned to the dacha of the Queen Mother to observe Christmas in a family mode. The table groaned under the weight of delicacies spread upon it, and Queen Maria grew slightly annoyed at the tardiness of her royal son in arriving at it. She nodded her head in Čejvan’s direction, who promised to fetch the king, and Xenia, from their seats near the fireplace. He returned a few moments later and whispered in Queen Maria’s ear. She smiled and said quietly, “Of course!”

The elder Baranovs, and the rest of the gathered family, were somewhat mystified, but were relieved when the King and Xenia entered, arm in arm.

Petar cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and announced. “I have asked Mademoiselle Xenia to be my wife; and she has consented.”

Olga Baranova, Xenia’s mother rose from her chair to embrace her child and her future son-in-law. Petar Baranov stood deliberately and he too move to congratulate the happy couple, though concern furrowed his brow. The Queen Mother beamed. There was a round of applause from the small company assembled. Petar and Xenia seemed to care only for each other.

Belgrade, The Prime Minister’s Residence, Saturday, 8 January 1949

Nikola Karasec was awakened by his valet mid-morning. “A call from the Palace Excellency… it is very important”.

The Prime Minister roused himself – the Christmas celebrations of the prior evening had lasted long into the night – and he deliberately made his way to the telephone; Karasec was not a young man. He picked up the receiver. “Karasec here.”

Hearing the King’s voice he brought himself to attention and listened intently as King Petar relayed the news of his engagement. A huge smile broke across his face but his voice remained calm and even.

“Your Majesty, this is most wonderful news. Please accept my congratulations, and those of your ministers, on this most felicitous event in this season of joy. Have I your permission to prepare a formal announcement for the nation?”

The conversation lasted a few moments more and concluded most cordially. Only when he had replaced the telephone receiver did Karasec give out a whoop of satisfaction. Not only would the question of succession be settled, but the lustre of linking the house of Romanov with that of Karadoredevic could only add to the prestige of the monarchy. His carefully laid plans had come to fruition.

Privredni vjesnik (Belgrade), Monday, 10 January 1949

The Valjoanica Aluminium Enterprise of Užice has formed a subsidiary to operate a copper mill at nearby Sevojno. The new firm, Valjaonica bakra Sevojno, will produce rolled copper sheets, copper tubing, and related products for use by domestic industry. Minority interests are held by the German Mannesmann and French Transall firms. It is forecast that the new works will start production early next year.

Belgrade, Beograd Glavna Railway Station, Wednesday, 12 January 1949

The Baranovs waited in their carriage while the other passengers boarded. Save for the King’s personal representative, Adem Čejvan, they were alone, and he respectfully sat some distance apart from them. A cordon of police kept back the throng of well-wishers and photographers, who nevertheless popped off flashbulbs at random; since the announcement of the King’s engagement to Xenia the city, indeed the nation, had been swamped with joyful demonstrations.

“My dear, you realize your life will never be the same.” Madam Baranova, the erstwhile Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, was profoundly aware of the gravity of her daughter’s decision to marry King Petar.

“Yes Mama, I do. But Petar assures me that I will not merely be an ornament; like his mother, I will be able to make meaningful contributions to the future of Yugoslavia. And besides, he needs me.”

Petar Baranov had given this matter much thought since the couple’s decision had been announced the previous Friday. Xenia had not allowed her head to be turned, but he wondered how much positive influence she, a woman, might have in a nation still dominated by men brought up in a patriarchy. Their visit had shown a nation being dragged from medieval times into the modern era, in some cases kicking and screaming.

“No doubt the King needs the support of someone he can trust. His ministers are loyal enough, but they have responsibilities to the Yugoslav people.”

“Yes Papa. I know that I must keep my place, for he is king, and I am merely to be his consort.”

Xenia closed her eyes in deep thought. The words were simple enough to say – but complicated to imagine putting them into practice. She tried to see into the future and saw as if through a glass darkly.

Belgrade, The White Palace, Friday, 14 January 1949

A footman showed the Prime Minister into the King’s private office and closed the door. King Petar looked up from the papers on his desk and rose to greet his visitor.

“So, Nikola, how go your negotiations with the Patriarch and the Archbishop?” The king waved his prime minister into a seat and resumed his own. Their discussions needed no great ceremony.

Karasec laid his head to one side and gave a small laugh. “Surprisingly well. Of course both are happy enough at the prospect of your impending nuptials, and His Eminence Gavrilo is duly impressed with your choice of the Grand Duchess Xenia; His Eminence Josip perhaps less so, but please enough to make no objections.”

“It is well for him that he should not.”

“Yes Your Majesty. The only issue of substance that remains is the choice of a date for the wedding.”

Karasec outlined the gist of his discussions with the chief prelates of the nation. It would not do to rush matters for such an important occasion, yet neither would it be wise to delay matters unduly. And the divergence between the Orthodox and Catholic Church calendars complicated matters no end. Petar thumbed through his desk calendar and made a quick decision.

“Then I would strongly suggest a date of 30 April, that is, if the date is acceptable to Her Grace. Please advise Their Eminences of my proposal and ask for their tentative concurrence.”

(All are invited to attend or designate representatives for the occasion. If so, please advise by PM. If it is your intention not to send a representative, please let me know)

I shall send representatives; I will PM details later.

Somebody from Britain will go, not sure who yet, probably assuming someone from the FO, unless there is any Royal Family connection (I'm out of touch with royal family trees of Europe!).
Likewise the Dutch will be represented in some form.
Belgium probably won't attend but might send some fancy chocolates to the bride.
Argentina are still trying to find Yugoslavia on a map and when they do decide its too chilly anyway and decide to head for the flesh pots of Montevideo instead.

Belgrade, Report of the Hungarian Military Attaché, Friday, 14 January 1949

The long-term rearmament plans of the Yugoslav military are reaching fruition, with the majority of military equipment required being manufactured domestically – the exception being high-performance military aircraft.

More than sufficient M43 service rifles in on hand to equip the regular component of the Royal Yugoslav Army as well as its first line reserve elements, and production continues at a steady pace. The older M29 service rifle is now relegated to second line reserve elements and local militias; I have unconfirmed reports that Yugoslavia has sought to sell some of its surplus stock of the M29 rifle overseas. The M47 general purpose machinegun is not yet available in sufficient numbers to totally displace the M28 machine rifle and the M32 machinegun in front line service. Other infantry weapons in production include the M47 recoilless gun which is accorded high priority.

The first production M48 medium tanks have been delivered; however, it will take many months before production will permit replacement of the Royal Yugoslav Army’s tank inventory. Production of the M47 infantry carrier continues, with more than three hundred units in the inventory; exports of this vehicle to Syria are complete insofar as announced orders are concerned. It has been demonstrated to other armies of the Warsaw Pact. Production of the Orkan armoured reconnaissance vehicle is now complete. Production of motor vehicles for the Army has slowed, permitting some factories to divert effort to meeting the needs of the civilian market.

The first Soko Strsljen jet fighter-bomber aircraft have been delivered to the Royal Yugoslav Air Force, and production at the Mostar factory is scheduled to increase. Production of the older Orao fighter has ceased. Other elements of the Yugoslav aero industry are participating in the Strsljen production programme or are engaged in maintenance work on existing aircraft. The acquisition of a number of Arado 234 jet bomber aircraft from Germany have delayed the search for a domestically-sourced successor to the Soko Zmaj strike aircraft.

In addition to the two frigates and two minesweepers recently laid down the Adriatic Shipyard at Bar is building two large and two smaller auxiliaries, the former expected to be completed in the spring and the latter within the next several weeks. Two small icebreaking tugs are being built at Belgrade.

Lagny-sur-Marne, France, Sunday, 16 January 1949

The Baranovs had not even returned to their home when news of Xenia’s engagement to the King of Yugoslavia broke in the French press. At their arrival at the Gare de l'Est the police had to be called to rescue them, and their fellow passengers, from the crown of reporters, photographers, and various well-wishers that mobbed their train at the platform. Even after their homecoming they found them neigh besieged by the minions of the press who sought interviews, photographs, or just plain gossip from their neighbours.

“Papa, I am sorry that I brought this upon you and Mama…”

Petar Baranov smiled. “Daughter, this is none of your fault. For thirty years your mother and I were able to live in quiet obscurity, once were of no interest to the newspapers. They are the ones who brought the Romanov name back into prominence to swell their circulation. It will pass.”

“But how could you and Mama stay here in the face of all this publicity once I am married? Would you not want to come to Yugoslavia, where you would not have to deal with this rabble?”

“This is our home; once you have joined your future husband in Belgrade they will lose interest in us. I believe your mother and I can put up with the situation for three months.”


Aerosvet, Tuesday, 18 January 1949

A fully-equipped example of the Ikarus IK-7 Pegaz twin-engine airliner departed Belgrade-Zemun aerodrome today on a sales tour. Its first destination was Sofia, where it will be shown to Bulgarian authorities, and thence to Bucharest. It is expected that the Pegaz will also visit Warsaw and Budapest. The type is presently entering service with Jugoslovenska Aero Transport.

Jugoslovenska Vojnik, Monday, 24 January 1949

No.91 (Fighter Interceptor) Squadron at Zagreb and No. 92 (Fighter Interceptor) Squadron at Nova Pazova have completed their conversion to the Dassault Ouragan II, and No.54 (Fighter Interceptor) Squadron at Lezha has begun converting to the type. Conversion of additional squadrons are pending delivery of the second batch of Ouragans from France. Nos. 62 and 63 (Fighter Bomber) Squadrons at Pristina have taken on charge a sufficient number of Soko Orao aircraft to surrender their Soko Jastreb fighter-bombers for storage pending disposition. Nos. 71 and 72 (Bomber) Squadrons at Smederevo have begun converting to the Arado Ar.234 jet bomber in place of their Soko Zmaj twin-engine attack bombers.

Novosti News Service, Zagreb, Tuesday, 25 January 1949

“The Sword of Honour”, the latest release in “The Swordsman” series starring Karlo Bulić made its premiere last evening with simultaneous showings in Zagreb and in Belgrade, both before sold-out crowds. Featuring Bulić again stars in the role of Maćevolac, “The Swordsman”, the dashing freedom fighter who fights against oppression and injustice for those under the heel of the Italian boot. In the latest film our intrepid hero is betrayed into the hands of his enemies but escapes using his wit and charm, and in the process discovers that even among his captors there are those with a sense of honour equal to his own.

Belgrade, The Prime Minister’s Residence, Tuesday, 1 February 1949

Foreign Minister Boris Furlan was shown into the Prime Minister’s private office, and the Prime Minister’s private secretary closed the door behind him. Furlan noted that Karasec seemed tired and wondered why he had been summoned.

“Sit down Boris, there are a few things I need to discuss with you.”

“The matter of the royal wedding?”

Karasec nodded and the two reviewed the ‘official’ guest list – which was still shaping up. Both President Clemenceau and Prime Minister Michelet of France had indicated their attendance as well as Chairman Sergetov of the Russian Federation, accompanied by Maksimov, the Russian foreign minister.”

“Might that not create issues with the bride’s relations?”

“Let us hope not.” Karasec’s furrowed his brow at the thought of the potential complications. “Your people will need to stay on their toes. The Irish President, Myles, is on the schedule as is Chancellor Adenauer. He is bringing Dehler.”

“What about Hapsburg?”

“Apparently not. Which is a good thing. There is enough potential for fireworks with Sergetov and the Romanovs that we need not bring more explosives to the party.”

Furlan nodded.

“There is something else…“ Karasec paused and breathed deeply. “I have sat here for twelve years now, and we all have accomplished much, but I am growing weary. I would like to consider taking my place.”

“Nikola, surely you jest!”

“I have yet to tender my resignation, and I have not even mentioned the possibility to the rest of the cabinet; but I want you give it serious thought before I make a decision.”


Novosti News Service, Kotor, Sunday, 6 February 1949

The landing ships Miljacka and Rakitnica, having completed their operational training, arrived here today.

Novosti News Service, Bar, Tuesday, 8 February 1949

Construction of the last pair of Project 1948 Gamma landing ships were completed today at the Adriatic Shipyard here. Landing Ship G was completed and commissioned as Stupanica, and Landing Ship H was commissioned as Trebisnjica. They will now undergo trials and operational training before joining the fleet in the spring.

Damascus, The Yugoslav Embassy, Monday, 14 February 1949

Lieutenant Colonel Janko Bobetko, Yugoslav military attaché in the capital, read the memorandum from the Syrian Ministry of Defence with resignation. In addition to more small arms and light artillery, the Syrians were inquiring about the feasibility of acquiring a number of additional Orao fighter-bombers as attrition replacements for aircraft lost in accidents.

Bobetko doubted that there would be much difficulty in fulfilling the Syrian request; they were his government’s best export customer for armaments and paid promptly, in case. Yet he wondered what the Syrians planned to do with all the equipment they were accumulating – tanks from China and infantry carriers from his own country to equip two newly formed armoured brigades; rifles and machineguns to outfit the regular Syrian army three times over – though Bobetko suspected that much of such weaponry went straight to the President’s paramilitary militia. Who did the Syrians fear? The Turks – a possibility. The Lebanese – hardly, and any overt move there would bring down the might of France. Palestine – much the same with the British.

In the last year he had noted that the poverty and distress of the Syrian people grew in direct proportion to the number of posters bearing the President’s likeness that now adorned most of the public buildings in the city. While no one would quote official figures his long-time contact Aflaq hinted that the militia could be mustered in the tens of thousands.

Perhaps he ought to submit a request for reassignment at the same time he forwarded the latest Syrian request to Belgrade. He had no desire to be caught in a crossfire between the President and his erstwhile opponents.

Hospodarske noviny (Prague), Friday, 18 February 1949

The town of Vlore, the Italian Balkan exclave tucked in between Yugoslavia and Greece was once a prosperous outpost of Italian culture in what has always been a fractious border region. Yet the continuing dispute between Italy and its neighbours have seen Vlore cut off from commercial contact save by sea, and this, combined with the worrying economic and political woes of Italy as a whole, have seen a contraction in the town’s economic life. Villages in the outlying portions of the territory lie half-deserted, their inhabitants choosing exile in either Greece or Yugoslavia in order to avoid food shortages and chronic unemployment. Those who do not chose exile turn to banditry. Bands of unsavoury characters even walk the streets by day, enforcing pizzo, or protection, on shopkeepers to avoid molestation or more serious forms of harassment. Thus far the local Italian officials have done little to combat the rising tide of lawlessness.

Paris, The Maison Vionnet, Wednesday, 23 February 1949

Madam Baraov waited patiently while her daughter tried on the third of the dresses Xenia was considering for her wedding, which was now little more than two months away. They had managed to avoid the minions of the press while coming to Paris but she feared that word of their presence in the capital would spread quickly and by the time they departed they would be forced to run a gauntlet of photographers.

At last Xenia glided into the room and stood, permitting her mother to cast a critical eye over her appearance.

“It suits you very well, but how does it fit?” Olga knew that the experienced seamstresses of the maison would be able to correct any deficiencies but tried to put her daughter at ease.

“The train is a trifle long… I am fearful I might trip on it.”

“No doubt mademoiselle will have attendants to assure that does not happen.”

The remark, made fashion advisor appointed to assist them, was a subtle reminder that the Baranovs were re-entering a sphere they had chosen to depart from. Xenia was still learning that she would have people to cater to her needs, her whims even.

Xenia admired the cut of the dress in the mirror and pronounced her satisfaction. The price, though expensive enough, was within the reach of the Baranovs’ purse. Final decisions were made, and Xenia retired to a changing room to return to her street clothes.

“Madam, it appears that a small crowd has gathered at the street entrance… perhaps you and the mademoiselle might with to use our rear exit? A taxi can be called…”

Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna Romanova smiled in appreciation and agreed.

Belgrade, Report of the Hungarian Military Attaché, Saturday, 26 February 1949

Contrary to previous indications, production of the M48 medium tank is being accelerated. While present production is only running at a rate of four units per month my sources indicate that this will increase to thirteen units per month by the end of June, including output from a second factory – the Jasenica Equipment works. Orders for additional supplies of engines have been placed with the Skoda Works at Pilsen as local production is insufficient to keep up with anticipated demand. A delegation of Schneider engineers have arrived to assist in the increase of local production of the CN-90 mle 42 m47 F2 main armament for the vehicle.

Production of the Soko jet fighter aircraft is being accorded the highest priority, as the need to replace the old Jastreb fighter bombers has grown critical. My sources indicate that negotiations have been opened with the French authorities to acquire an additional supply of Dassault Ouragan fighters, with deliveries to commence before the end of the year; there is as yet no indicated that this will be approved.

With the completion of the last of the Yugoslav navy’s small landing ships naval construction is concentrating on a new class of frigate. How the Yugoslav’s intend to make use of their amphibious capability is quite unclear however.

Aerosvet, Monday, 28 February 1949

Recently returned from its sales tour in neighbouring countries the Ikarus IK-7 Pegaz demonstration aircraft will depart for the Far East early next month. Chinese authorities have expressed interest in evaluating the aircraft to meet that nation’s growing air transport needs. En route the aircraft will visit Syria, and it is expected that demonstrations will be arranged in other nations.