Foreword

Throughout history there is no example of a nation that has suffered so much, has had as many victims and has at the same time been paradoxically labeled as a villain. Balkan and Byzantine lies piled one on top of the other, throughout the ages, have thwarted the people of Croatia and the denial of their naiveté has added to this misery. Traditionally, Belgrade propaganda has always included Croatian victims amongst its own ranks; one of the reasons being to enlist financial aid from other countries. In fact, it is not in the interest of Western countries to aid those much smaller and weaker countries who seek self-determination, and it is even more difficult for these smaller countries to seek independence, especially when they are laden with the yoke of a "war crimes complex". Western nations treated harshly these small nations who, due to circumstances, were forced to side with the Axis forces during WW II; not necessarily because they approved of Nazism, but because it was their only chance to survive and acquire some sort of statehood and independence in a time of very difficult choices. The Belgrade regime brings up the issue of war victims whenever it is in need of western aid. This is their primary tactic used in obtaining this aid. In its inner circle the Belgrade regime, certainly one of the worst in Europe, fulfills a dual purpose through its propaganda. It turns attention away from its difficult economic situation (despite billions of dollars from the West, Yugoslavia is one of the most underdeveloped countries in Europe with the highest unemployment rate and skyrocketing inflation), and justifies the colonial status of nations that make up Yugoslavia. But the western countries are wrong in these calculations. Let us take for example Afghanistan, where a battle was intentionally protracted and where the credo "not to win but to fight" gained prominence. The sale of weapons and ammunition to maintain the balance of supply and demand in industrialized countries resulted in the deaths of countless civilian and military personnel. Let us put Croatia within the context of this supply and demand scenario. The purveyors of these weapons realize that Croatia's chances of winning are dim. In the end Croatia would only amount to some paltry "cannon fodder". I doubt that there would even be one ally who would be concerned whether the Croatians could survive another tragedy like Bleiburg. But this time, the Croatians have learned their painful lesson from the West; let the stronger and more appropriate forces fight Communism. »Afghanistan Docet«.

This book was written for those who wish to learn the truth. It should be a constant reminder that the bitterest truth is actually sweeter than the most sugar coated lie. The listing of statistics is sometimes ruthless yet they are the most accurate language. Every nation has to look after its own political welfare and not allow itself to fall into anyone's trap. Although it is difficult to read about the horror of mass murder, the criminals hiding in the night and the liquidation of entire villages, there is a constant reminder throughout the book that killing does not solve problems, it only perpetuates further grief. There are no "better or worse" nations, there are only those individuals who choose a clear or guilty conscience. Ante Beljo issues a call for hope.

Hope for a better community; hope to live in peace where people have a greater understanding of one another and where tolerance is the norm and not an exception; hope - where human life will be respected as a God given gift. This book is an astute observation. It is an invitation for every nation, not only Croatia - to recognize one another not in hidden skeletons, but to solve their discord through friendly negotiations. A call for everyone to live in peace and freedom wherever they happen to be.

Sadrzaj - Foreword - Croatian Holocaust - A Short Survey of Croatian History