storm - Hrvatski memorijalno-dokumentacijski centar Domovinskog ...

shall operate throughout Croatia. We have the initiative in our strikes. We choose the
place, time and way of the strike. Nobody can stop us from shelling Zagreb, Osijek,
Vinkovci, Zadar, Karlovac, Split... We must have an action plan and prepare for its
thorough implementation. Croatia can be carved up and that would settle our fi ght
against them for all time. Th e carving up and cutoff of parts of Croatia at several points
would have a devastating eff ect on the ustashi and they would never recover from it. We
must seek ways to link up with the part of the RSK made up by Eastern Slavonia, Western
Srem and Baranja. In case of our victory Croatia would be fi nished. Nobody could ever
again back Croatia. Not offi cially, anyway. Th at would also be for us the shortest route to
international recognition and unifi cation in a single Serbian state.
We must win the battle against Croatia. We cannot aff ord to lose it. We are not even
entitled to that. Th is is a battle which will require the last atom of our strength. We must
mobilize all healthy and able-bodied persons, eliminate everything negative, thwart
defeatism. We must enhance battle morale to the highest point.
Th e commander-in-chief is in command of the entire armed forces. Nobody shall be
allowed to interfere in the command. Attempts by profi teers to relieve commanders have
been prevented. As a whole the command eff ort must focus on preparations of the SVK
units and commands for defence. Th e army and its command are always expected to be
up to their mission. Decisive battles must not be lost. And our army faces the decisive
battle. I was personally very dissatisfi ed when I saw how little attention was devoted to
preparing for defence, and how casually and reluctantly people go about doing everything
that can and has to be done for adequate defence. I even thought of introducing military
rule. But results can also be achieved by relying on our parliament and its members. We
strive to put an end to the practice of everybody going his way. I am aware of intentions
and moves that are not at all benevolent towards the SVK. Th e army cannot and shall
not take dirt from anybody. I will do everything granted me by the constitution and
the law to save this people. I count on the readiness and high combat readiness of our
armed forces. Th e army must look aft er the interests of the people. Obviously, we cannot
wage war and win without the economy, and we must all bear this in mind and help the
economy to get professional and qualifi ed people without whom there is no production.
In the economy the state must open the door to women and all those who can work and
who cannot fi ght in the war. Quite illogically, in kitchens and near the kitchens, on the
factory grounds you fi nd young and healthy men, whereas are positions are manned by
elderly or sickly people. Retired and disabled persons, women and others not fi t to bear
arms must take up all the jobs held by young people capable of bearing arms and fi ghting
in the war.
Our judiciary is stating to deal with matters in its competence. Military justice bodies
have been formed, but do not operate. For all practical purposes civil justice does
not discharge its functions. All illegal gains will be seized from the persons operating
beyond the law. Seized property must be used for the requirements of the SVK: trucks,
vehicles, cigarettes, goods... All surpluses are to be handed over to the fi nancial police.
All operations of this kind are focused on saving our state, the RSK. Crime and blackmarketeering
destroy the combat morale of our troops and offi cers in the front lines.
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