Aspects of Cooperation in the Balkans Between Soe and Nkvd in January-August 1944

International Conference KNOWLEDGE-BASED ORGANIZATION Vol. XXVII No 1 2021

ASPECTS OF COOPERATION IN THE BALKANS BETWEEN SOE AND NKVD IN JANUARY-AUGUST 1944

Marian ZIDARU

Black Sea House Association, Constanța, Romania [email protected]

Abstract: A meeting was held on 14th January 1944 to discuss the possibilities which might exist for increased collaboration between S.O.E. and N.K.V.D. in the Balkans. The following agenda was submitted: A review of S.O.E. aims in each area and an outline of their resources with the object of examining the possibilities of a concerted Balkans plan for all countries concerned. The coordination of all these plans into one directive. The possibility of discussing such a plan with the N.K.V.D. in an endeavor to enlist their cooperation and assistance in a common plan for S.O.E., O.S.S. and N.K.V.D. Our article follows the evolution of these plans during January-August 1944.

Keywords: SOE, NKVD, Balkan, O.S.S., Force 133

1. Introduction As regards Bulgaria: This was the one Cooperation in Eastern Europe countries country in regard to which there was some was difficult. No detailed study of SOE point in initiating discussions in Moscow operation here can be attempted. The for collaboration [1]. NKVD considered British plans regarding Hungary Poland, Czechoslovakia, 2. Yugoslavia Romania, and Bulgaria with deep concern. In Yugoslavia, there were two rival An SOE analyses report in 1944 concluded guerrilla groups within the resistance As regards Yugoslavia: The sending of a movement: a right-wing group called very strong Russian Mission to Tito will Chetniks led by Colonel Draza Mihajlovic bring to a head the questions of future co- and a group of communist partisans led by operation between the Russians and British Josip Broz Tito. The Allies finally in this area. This is probably the best way supported Tito's Partisan group which, of getting the question settled, and SOE did proved to be more reliable and determined not think it would be wise to take any in their resistance against the Germans [2] section in Moscow to anticipate the Mihajlovic lived in a world that was situation which will inevitably develop out passing, and that more British support in of the Russian Mission in Yugoslavia. 1943-44 would have precipitated an even As regard Greece: It was impossible for the more intense and savage civil war. As for British to initiate discussions in Moscow on the Soviet "book" in SOE Cairo, James the question of co-operations in Greece, as Klugmann, the man in question, was indeed the policy of E.M.G. which Great Britain a communist and certainly did everything were engaged in executing, was too he could to influence reports on the ground difficult to explain. in favor of Tito. But many other sources,

144 including the decryption of the "Ultra" observation mission, reminding Soviet system at Bletchley Park, showed that Tito's colleagues that Yugoslavia was under the supporters were doing more to fight the command of the Allied commander of the Germans than Mikhailov's Chetniks, and Mediterranean. The Allied military mission SOE Cairo had no decision-making power under Brigadier Fitzroy MacLean had to be over the Yugoslav issue [3]. Subversive consulted regularly. activities have been entirely in S.O.E hands In a SOE meeting in 20th January it was and, although the N.K.V.D have been agree that the sending of a very strong suspected of communication with the Russian Mission to Tito will bring to a head Partisans, no proof has been forthcoming. the question of future co-operation between The Soviet have expressed themselves as the Russians and British in this area. This disinterested apart from their approval of was probably the best way of getting the Tito’s movement and antagonism to question settled, and SOE didn’t think it Mihajlovic; nevertheless, they have would be wise to take any action in suggested sending a mission to Mihajlovic Moscow to anticipate the situation which as well as Tito and have advised against a will inevitably develop out of the Russian break with Mihajlovic. With the fall of Mission in Yugoslavia. Italy, O.S.S has been admitted to A report from February 25th 1944 said that participations as a minor partner and as a no news departure Russian mission. result of the military mission to Tito. They Decision taken on high level to withdraw have accepted and have even suggested all liaison officers from Mihajlovic. Order may be accepted as the first step in a issued for concentration and preparation for Mediterranean for their operations into departure in hand. Yugoslavia has already been offered them In February 29th 1944 Col. Bailey who has Mr. Eden [4]. been in Yugoslavia with Mihajlovic since British deliberation on supporting either Christmas 1942 has been evacuated. nationalist leader Mikhailovich or the renewed signs of opposition to Mihajlovic’s Partisans in Yugoslavia, played out on the policy by some of his commanders have level of intelligence services as well. Pro- been observed. Mihajlovic appears to be Partisans voices within SOE such as trying to play off Americans against His Professor Hugh Seton Watson (DH/72) Majesty Government. eventually won the argument to switch In March 7th brigadier Maclean has had support. For tactical reasons Soviet leaders most promising initial conversations with denied any involvement in Yugoslavia. Russian mission who express desire for Molotov told ambassador Clark-Kerr that closest co-operation. they would not intervene in internal conflict On March 28 1944 brigadier Armstrong between Mikhailovich and the Partisans. endeavoring contact Mihajlovic who was The NKVD claimed that they have no still absent from his H.Q. O.S.S L. Q and contacts with the Partisans In facts SOE Mihajlovic officer evacuated proceeded to was aware this was incorrect. Although the U.S.A to present Mihajlovic case to partisans contained the best elements of the American authorities improved weather country and the majority of the educated enabled increased sorties to partisans. youth, SOE officers noted that their In April 5th evacuation missions held up principal objective was to establish a pending final arrangements with Mihajlovic Yugoslav Soviet Republic. In December Tito pressing for permission to employ 1943 Molotov asked Eden to facilitate a Italian soldiers of Yugoslav origin. In Soviet Mission to the Partisans. The SOE March 1944, SOE transported NKVD told the NKVD that it was ready to offer Major Konstantin Krassowski to Tito transport and other facilities to any Soviet headquarters in Yugoslavia via Algiers and

145 Bari, outfitting him with a wireless set a former leader of the Agrarian Party between pistol and ammunition. The British found 1923 and 1938, and about Dimitrov (Agent him quite unappreciative of efforts made for JOHN). The SOE found that these agents, him on his behalf. In June, Krassowski was together with other Bulgarians, tried to recalled to Moscow and Ovakimian exploit the differences between the United conceded that Krassowski was the wrong States and Great Britain and between these type to be send. powers and the Soviet Union over Bulgaria. On April 19th 86 successful sorties to The SOE files also provide details on the partisans were recorded last week. fate of the Mulligatawny and Claridge’s Brigadier Maclean being evacuated with mission. The death of King Boris, Tito’s representative general Velebit for revitalised SOE operations in Bulgaria in discussions A.F.H.Q Tito has made request the final two years of the war. The files for increased supplies of food involving reveal the difficulties and complexities very considerable air lift. Question of faced in co-ordinating missions in this priorities will be discussed during visit region [6]. NKVD did not agree to any mission to A.F.H.QA. major cooperation and subsequently should In a report from April 28th 1944 were down several requests from London. SOE reported 99 successful sorties to partisans. continued to dabble with well-intentioned Withdrawal missions with Mihajlovic to schemes, for example in requesting coast beginning On May 10th 1944, 103 assistance to drop supplies to Bulgarian successful sorties were reported. Departure partisans in territory the NKVD regarded as of missions from Mihajlovic area delayed their sphere of influence. until senior B.L.O has had interview with In Bulgaria on 25 January 1944, Major Mihajlovic. MacLean with two Tito's staff Thompson was sent on a parachute landing officers still London [5]. mission to establish a link between the British HQ and the Bulgarian partisans led by 3. Bulgaria Slavcho Transki; he landed near Dobro Pole, Bulgaria was considered by the Allies to be Macedonia. The commandos had a radio to of considerable strategic importance in their keep in touch with staff in Cairo, Egypt and efforts to limit German expansion into the Bari, Italy, but it failed. On May 23, Middle East. The Anglo-Americans Thompson took part in the clash in the village believed that the Bulgarian people did not of Batuliya between the Bulgarian wholeheartedly support the power of the Gendarmerie and the 2nd Sofia National Axis. However, economic conditions were Liberation Brigade of partisans. He was less severe than in other parts of Europe, wounded by gendarmerie forces, captured and Bulgarian police had experience in and, after a parody of the trial, was executed dealing with the disturbances. This led the near the village of Litakovo. British Foreign Office to argue that it would In a SOE meeting in 20th January it was agree be extremely difficult for the SOE to that Bulgaria was the one country in regard to provoke a general revolt of the people and which there is some point in initiating the army against King Boris's pro-Axis discussions in Moscow for collaboration. regime. A better policy would have been to A report from February 25 1944 revealed try to gain elements from the Bulgarian that British BLO at Yugoslav- Bulgarian army. Initial operations to contact the main border has made contact with partisan political opposition groups, such as the Left commander Sofia zone who holds out Agrarians, the Protogerovists and the encouraging prospects partisan activities? Military League, failed to bear fruit. The In February 29th British B.L.O has SOE files contain a lot of information about submitted long report on partisan Todoroff, a Bulgarian politician in exile and organization and targets for bombing.

146 prospects were good and competent United States Ambassador at Moscow and authorities interested. In a telegram from London have been instructed to April 12.1944 London SOE told SAM that communicate tenor of the Bulgarian they would welcome any repercussion proposal to his Majesty’s Government and SAM may be able to gather in Moscow to Soviet Government, and SAM will no about Balkan background. London SOE doubt received communications from Mr. would also welcome SAM appreciation of a Winant very shortly. future towards Bulgaria in event of London SOE learned that State Department Romanian collapse. Russian plan was to have told to the United State Ambassador, penetrating west Romania and Hungary Angora, to inform Bulgarian Minister that with view to organizing sabotage etc. his proposal has been passed to British and Russian offer of Transylvania to Romania Soviet Government, that Bulgarian suggests they may bethink of lines of Government should hold themselves ready inciting anti-German a Hungarian activities to send an envoy to meet allied in that area if their advance is half up of representatives preferably at Cairo, and that Carpathians and Transylvanian Alps. in the meantime Bulgarian approach will be Istanbul press report stated Russian about studied from military aspect. He was parachutists dropped Bulgaria. It was instructed to add as his personal view that possible Russians had pinpoints there. As Bulgarian proposal are not sufficiently British had aircraft available exit was positive and that definite action on their temporally out of touch, they could drop part e.g., help in expelling German troops, supplies to pinpoints supplied by Russians will be required as evidence of a real similarly when British contacts change of heart. reestablished, they could give their Apart from informing British and Soviet pinpoints for them to drop store; As they Government State Department have asked were now sharing pinpoints with Russians United States chief of Staff for an opinion; in Yugoslavia, SOE saw no reason why when this has been receiving, a further same should not have been possible in communication will be addressed to the Bulgaria. So, London asked SAM took up other two Governments concerned giving the problem with Moscow [7]. On April definite view of United States Government. 19th Leader and most of staff of mission on Fact that it was Bulgarian Minister, Angora, Western frontier now believed prisoners. who acted as intermediary has been Every effort being made re-establish deliberately omitted from communication contract with partisans. Two sorties reached which will they made to the Soviet area last week. On April 24th Leader and Government as State Department have high one other member of mission now regard of M. Balaban’s personal character confirmed prisoners one probably killed. and if, as seems likely, present demarche Rest of missions believed safe. comes to nothing, they didn’t wish him to Endeavoring infiltrate several additional be prejudiced in Soviet eyes.[9] Until it is missions, six successful sorties last week cleared up which will not be until Russians were reported. On May 10th 3 successful reach Bulgaria, Foreign Office were sorties were reported [8]. Mister Gore anxious to avoid political commitments to Booth’s most secret letter May 23rd May to of there is no objects however to British Southern Department State Department giving material help against the Germans informed that further basis peace feelers and London intend to give SAM sorties had been made through the intermediary of whenever they need them to the best of Bulgarian Minister to Turkey who get in their ability. Steel says he knew this was a touch with United States representatives at difficult line but hopes this explanation will Istanbul on his return from leave in Sofia.

147 help SAM PSE put any points which arise ideological angle. They must, however, be whenever SAM wanted to [10]. in a very strong positions to facilitate A telegram from July 7th showed that contacts and transmit intelligence and there Bulgarian Government took office after were some evidences that they have already previous definitely pro-German government been parachuting agents into Bulgaria. As a was forced out by Russian diplomatic preliminary step, proper S.O.E/O. S. S. seem pressure, this Government was fence sitting to take a very independent line and are most and fence compound with Russians when desirous of more vigorous action [12]. they approach Bulgaria. German knew this but they were too weak to take action. 4. Turkey Russians have not broken relations with In Turkey SOE tried to cooperated with Bulgarian Government and may well be NKVD because of their need to contact later to do a deal with them. Bulgarian British agents in Balkans. Among the government show no sign uncreased methods used by the SOE in developing its leniency towards Bulgaria Partisans or strategy to create communication links with outlaw. It should be embarrassing for its agents in Romania was the possible Britain to get too close committed to of collaboration with the N.K.V.D. Therefore, when Russian attitude was so uncertain. in October 1941 after negotiations between Therefore, essential British agents make the two governments, the SOE established clear to SOE Partisans contacts that Britain contact with an NKVD agent in Istanbul, were supplying then with arms to attack Baklanov, who acted undercover as an their common enemy as a military traction assistant of the commercial secretary of the only and that SOE were not committed to Soviet Embassy in Istanbul. The meetings of as political movement, agents should started in October 1941 and continued stress British desire Bulgarian Partisan regularly until the end of the year. The SOE activities be coordinated with Tito who of revealed its plans in Romania to the NKVD course enjoys support of Russians as well without revealing details and names, as of Britain’s. besides that of Maniu. The British tried to Russian attitude to of following signal sent get help from the Soviets in establishing after consultations with Steel. Soviet radio links but didn’t manage to get it. The official attitude was unknown. SAM collaboration proved to be one-sided and Moscow office has however informed the British put an end to it in February NKVD that SOE have contacts with 1942, when Baklanov did not keep his Bulgarian partisans and elicited no promises, invoking false motives. The disapproval, Soviet press also write Soviets seemed more interested in sympathetically but soviet government do procuring military information from Turkey not apparently give material because this than in resistance in the Balkans [13]. would be inconsistent with maintenance of Turkey's neutrality has made cooperation diplomatic relations with neutral difficult. The main incident affecting governments. Soviets were opportunists and Soviet-Turkish affairs took place on the their attitude was in fact ambiguous [11]. morning of February 24, 1942, when two The absence of an organized campaign NKVD agents, V.V. Pavlov and A.P. against the Germans may be attributed to Kornilov, arrested in Ankara after Bulgaria’s status as a belligerent and the assassination attempt on German difficulties of initiating subversive action. In ambassador Franz von Papen. The Turkish this respect the Russians are awkwardly security service performed a detailed placed since they are not at war with investigation. The investigations and trials Bulgaria and cannot be expected to involve lasted several months, and the accomplices themselves officially other than from an were eventually sentenced for their part in

148 the affair. The NKVD agents were 5. Greece ultimately convicted on June 17, 1942 [14]. In the remote mountain regions of Greece After the attempt on German Ambassador and Yugoslavia resistance forces gradually Franz von Papen’s life in 1942, SOE- emerged in the aftermath of defeat. A long NKVD contacts had been suspended for and appallingly brutal guerrilla war raged security reason. In May 1944, at British across much of the region for the next four initiative, these contacts was revived with a years. The British faced a similar problem view towards operation in Bulgaria and like in Yugoslavia in Greece, where there Romania, specifically excluding operation were also two resistance groups: The in Turkey itself. But the NKVD didn’t Communist-dominated National Popular name any representative, and the proposal Liberation Army (ELAS) and the fell. The example of Romania and Bulgaria republican Greek National Democratic seemed to suggest that no British Union (EDES). The two groups fought a intelligence work would be permitted once bitter civil war until the Allies brokered a the Soviet troops reached former enemy temporary ceasefire [19]. Despite the territory [15]. Plans were made for infighting, SOE agents, Army and Royal countering a German invasion (blocking Marine Commandos, the Special Boat schemes were drawn up for the disruption Service (SBS) and the Special Air Service of Turkish trade with Germany in strategic (SAS) all fought alongside the Greek and goods, in particular chrome [16]. Yugoslav resistance [20]. In Turkey, the defection of Erich In a SOE meeting in 20th January it was Vermehren in February 1944 raises some agree that it is impossible for British to suspicions in Moscow as the NKVD initiate discussion in MOSCOW on the suspected he had handled German operation question of co-operation in GREECE, as against the USSR. The British denied this the policy of H.M.G., which they were claim but were slow in handing over engaged in executing, is too difficult to detailed reports. It lasted until July 1944 explain. and the time when SOE history admits that A report from February 25th 1944 the material was no longer of interest. Conference between Zervas ELAS and SOE Middle East proposed in May 1944 EKKA leader continues. prospects the resumption of SOE/NKVD Liaison at satisfactory solution still no encouraging to Istanbul which had been broken for security status quo. though civil war may cease. reasons after the von Papen incident in affecting Germans will be resumed. 1941. The suggestion was favorably In February 29th conference between received by NKVD and the Foreign Office guerilla organizations has been adjourned approved in June 1944. In July 1944 for higher level meeting between Zervas NKVD informed Brigadier HILL that they personally and E.A.M. leaders. E.L.A.S. had decided not to appoint a representative guerillas under leadership B.L.O near mt. to Istanbul for the present [17]. Olympus derailed important troop train into The propaganda line that Britain was using at river Penios. Many German officers the time that took place in Turkey throughout including special delegation F.N route the war had a longer lasting effect. The Berlin drowned. Casualties so far teaching of English and raising awareness of confirmed 200 officers. British cultural values and the British war On March 7 1944 Greece adjourned effort, created a sympathy that was long- conference between ELAS and Zervas lasting, with the effects being felt for much of reached agreement cease civil war and co- the rest of the twentieth century [18]. operate against Germans. Each organization will remain in its present position. And joint plans will be prepared for Epirus

149 where both E.L.A.S and E.D.E.S exist. Piraeus area continues very successfully. Mixed commission will supervise One floating crane. One cargo ship and one observation of terms minor. E.L.A.S tanker successfully attacked in last weeks. activity against occupying forces continues Prospects for settlement political issues in following not for communication to NKVD free Greek Government more optimistic but as E.A.M delegates signed under threat of serious mutinies have occurred in free public truncation by HMG and as all Greek army and naval forces. political issues were excluded from the On April 28th 1944 was reported 24 conference and are still unsolved excessive successful sorties road convoy ambushed optimism regarding armistice is premature. near Edessa and train de-railed near Veria. In March 24th were reported Minor Anti- Second train de-railed south of Katerina and German activity by both E.L.A.S. and bridge demolished near Domokos. Road Zervas continues. Archbishop and political bridge between Amphissa and Kaupactos circles Athens indicate they are prepared to blown. Political situation however remains co-operate with Cairo Government unsatisfactory and internal squabbles provided continue. Svolos has assumed presidency of (A) King signs secret constitutional act not political committee in mountains with to return before general election. colonel Bakirdzis as vice president. (B) On German evacuation Sophoulis In Aegean Islands took place long liberal leader becomes prime minister. developed schemes for enticement of King at that moment unwilling to sign Caiques were beginning to prove successful constitutional act. Provisional committee in two enticed during week. mountains sent cordial telegram to On May 10th was reported 20 successful Tsouderos expressing wish to negotiate sorties. A new anti-communist organization with Cairo Government and political circles have arisen in Thessaly called E.A.S.A.D Athens for formation of Government of working with Germans to establish reign of Nation Unity. terror in Volo area. Two minors clashed Tsouderos has invited committee, between E.L.A.S. and Zervas but major Archbishop and political circles Athens to hostilities do far avoid. Independent begin coalition negotiations either Athens Macedonian brigade of Tito's forces or Cairo for your private information not operating in Greek Macedonia [21]. Y.N.C.A. Tsouderos hopes if king will sign The incident described below when a secret constitutional act coalition between Russian mission clandestinely landed in Cairo Government and political circles Greece emphasizes the importance of Athens will be possible either excluding coming to a clear understanding with E.A.M or granting then only minor Moscow in the matter of collaboration in representation in new...Government. the Mediterranean war. In April 5ths some agitation amongst armed On the 23rd July 1944, request was made to forces in middle east in avoid of provisional Air Force commanding Balkan Air Force committee has precipitated Governmental by Russian Air Group for permission to crisis. M Tsouderos has resigned premiers. carry out a training flight from Bari to a IP advising that post should be offered to point just inland from the coast on the Venizelos no decision has yet been made by mainland of Greece opposite Corfu. The the king. flight was authorized but had to be April 19th 1944 was reported 19 successful postponed on account of whether until the sorties last week. Several successful night of 25/26 July, when it took place. The Guerilla actions by E.L.A.S forces in permission for the flight specifically Macedonia and Thrace including successful indicated that he dropped or landing wrecking of train. Blocking of shipping in operation were to be undertaken.

150 Subsequently it transpired that this as an acceptance of unified control and permission was abused in the aircraft desire to cooperate. Mr. Novikov, the new carried a Russian colonel and up to nine Soviet Minister in Cairo, is to be kept other officers (number uncorked) informed henceforth of Greek comprising members of the Soviet mission developments which may arouse more to Tito and including Tito men, who were interest in Moscow in Greek affairs [23]. dropped in Greece at one of SOE landing At the end of August 1944, the Red Army grounds without prior knowledge of British had advanced into the Balkan Peninsula. in Cairo or Allied Mission in Cairo or The German Army in Greece and Allied Mission in Greece. ALOS in Greece Yugoslavia retreated into Hungary and report arrival of this Mission at ELAS Austria. GHQ. Allied troops landed in Greece in October, Colonel Sokolov Commanding the Russian but they saw little fighting as the Germans Air Group, admits that after the aircraft were in full retreat. The resistance had took was diverted to a point in Greece by already liberated most of the country. Tito's w/t and that officer were landed in Greece. Partisans had done the same in Yugoslavia According to Sokolov, the orders for flight and entered Belgrade several hours before were received from colonel Melnikov who Soviet forces arrived [24]. was acting head of the Russian Mission to The Greek resistance started civil war. The Tito. Colonel Sokolov’s explanation for not British Army intervened on the side of the reporting the intention was that he has not EDES-dominated government. considered the matter of sufficient Soviet Union accepted that Greece importance to interest SOE. belonged in the 'British sphere of influence' ALOS have been instructed to maintain as defined in the agreement between Yosef strictly correct but noncommittal attitude. Stalin and Winston Churchill at Moscow in Colonel Hammond of Allied Mission and October 1944 [25]. colonel West of OSS/SO in Greece, have been ordered to proceed ELAS /HQ to 6. Conclusions report full facts. During January-August 1944, there were This incident was yet another of a series of several proposals to extend the incidents with the Russians in this theatre, and collaboration between SOE and NKVD. amounts to a clear breach of their agreements Between the two services, there was with SOE regarding their operation of Russian cooperation through the exchange of aircraft in this theatre [22]. information through the two British Control of subversive action has again been missions to Moscow (SAM mission led by vested in S.O.E but O.S.S has been General Hill) and London (led by Colonel admitted to partnership official interest by Chichaev). SOE also provided technical an announcement British and American assistance to the NKVD to carry out plan to back Tsouderos’ pronouncement. missions in Yugoslavia. However, the Apart from that, the Soviet pretend to a lack NKVD looked at many of the SOE of interest in Greece owing, as they say, to operations with suspicions it is a fact that scanty information. the cooperation between the two services The last Soviet move may also be viewed could not be extended.

References List

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