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Holodomor in Soviet Ukraine, 1932-33, As It Was Remembered by Post-War Immigrants in Western Australia Who Experienced It

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Holodomor in Soviet Ukraine, 1932-33, As It Was Remembered by Post-War Immigrants in Western Australia Who Experienced It ‘Remember the peasantry’ A study of genocide, famine, and the Stalinist Holodomor in Soviet Ukraine, 1932-33, as it was remembered by post-war immigrants in Western Australia who experienced it. by Lesa Morgan A thesis presented to the University of Notre Dame Australia in fulfilment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Doctor of Arts in the School of Arts and Sciences. Fremantle, Western Australia © Lesa Melnyczuk Morgan 2010 This thesis is dedicated to the children who did not survive the Holodomor. A generation lost. Their suffering not forgotten . Ukraine Remembers – the World Acknowledges. (The global motto for the recognition of the Holodomor) I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. I authorize the University of Notre Dame to lend this thesis to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. Signature I further authorize the University of Notre Dame to reproduce this thesis by photocopying or by other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. Signature Abstract In 1936 Joseph Stalin offered what he called ‘friendly advice’ to his Communist allies in war-torn Spain: ‘One should pay attention to the peasantry, which...is of great importance.’ 1 So important, indeed, was the peasantry to the security of the Communist state that Stalin had adopted ruthless, widespread policies in the Soviet Union to ensure their compliance with the centralised regime in Moscow. The devastating famine experienced in Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933 was an example of such ruthless policies of Stalin’s government. Some scholars argue that in the space of a year up to ten million people died in the famine now known as the Holodomor. This is a research project exploring the history of Ukraine’s Holodomor, exploring popular debate, scholarly research and survivors’ memories. A small émigré community of Ukrainians settled in Western Australia in the post-war years, many of whom either experienced or witnessed the famine and now have harrowing stories to share. This research sought to further explore this relatively unknown famine through examining scholarly debate and primary source evidence, and by conducting interviews with more than forty survivors now living in Perth. The material collated in the interviews contributes significantly to the scholarly and popular comprehension of the Holodomor. When compared to internationally accepted interpretations of the term, and compared to similar studies abroad, it is clear that the events of 1932-1933 were an act of genocide committed against the Ukrainian people. 1 Joseph Stalin to Largo Caballero, 21 December 1936, quoted by Nigel Townson, "The Spanish Civil War", University of Notre Dame Australia, 2009, p.233. Acknowledgements The continual discussions, support and encouragement of Dr Deborah Gare and Professor Simon Adams ensured positive development, progress and the resulting thesis. Their positive attitudes and continued affirmations instilled confidence in a project that had begun with some misgivings related to the nature of the research and the fear of pursuing such a topic. The author also wishes to acknowledge the encouragement support given to her in the preparation of the initial research proposal by Associate Professor Roger Vallance of The University of Notre Dame. Maryna Buhatyrova’s tireless assistance in translating some of the tapes was gratefully appreciated. It ensured a speedier completion of a task that was arduous and time consuming. Blessed thanks are offered to my mother Mrs. Stephanie Melnyczuk whose constant support with translations from some Ukrainian books, and project information disseminator were invaluable amongst those survivors who were her peers. Her own memories form a part of the content. Her offerings of meals for my family and sometimes physical support of tasks within my home will never be forgotten. The study environment shared by my University student daughters Jana and Tegan during our semester days will be remembered fondly as a period of sharing of our respective intellectual journeys. Sasha must be acknowledged for his role in keeping me company and forcing me to take the necessary breaks to exercise. A patient, constant and, loyal companion. More importantly I acknowledge the Ukrainian survivors who were willing to share their tragic stories and allow me to learn about their lives during the Holodomor and up to the present day. They finally broke their silence and in doing so broke Stalin’s control over their lives. These people had incredible stories and incredible strength to live through the events that they were forced to endure. They are truly unsung heroes Table of Contents Tables and Maps .............................................................................................................. xiv Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1 The Ukrainian Diaspora in Australia ................................................................................. 5 Research Aims and Questions .......................................................................................... 8 Participants of this study ................................................................................................... 10 Children and Memory ........................................................................................................ 15 Research Method, Sources and Collection of Data ..................................................... 18 Data coding ......................................................................................................................... 24 Data analysis ...................................................................................................................... 25 Reliability ............................................................................................................................. 25 Validity ................................................................................................................................. 26 Limitations of Study ........................................................................................................... 28 Statement of stance ........................................................................................................... 29 Thesis structure .................................................................................................................. 31 Significance of the study ................................................................................................... 32 Chapter 1 ................................................................................................................................. 37 Literature Review ................................................................................................................... 37 Opening the books ............................................................................................................. 37 Holodomor oral histories: Comparative studies ............................................................ 41 Principal scholars ............................................................................................................... 44 Testimonies and memoirs ................................................................................................ 47 The artificial famine as genocide ..................................................................................... 48 Ukraine’s Genocide Bill ..................................................................................................... 57 Deniers ................................................................................................................................ 59 Recognition of interest in the West ................................................................................. 61 Migration experiences of victims of trauma ................................................................... 74 The Ukrainian migrant experiences in the diaspora ..................................................... 80 Migration of Ukrainians to Australia ................................................................................ 84 Commemoration and memorializing the history ........................................................... 93 Gaps in the literature ......................................................................................................... 95 The Western Australian Ukrainian refugees’ memories .............................................. 99 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 101 Chapter 2 ............................................................................................................................... 103 The Famine of 1932-1933 ..................................................................................................... 103 within the context of Ukraine’s history .............................................................................. 103 Ukraine after 1917 ........................................................................................................... 103 Collectivization ................................................................................................................. 107 Dekulakization .................................................................................................................
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