CHETNIK-GERMAN TALKS IN TOPOLA NAW Mf. T.

311, R 286, 509511 Memorandum on Talks with Representatives of DM Movement in Topola on August 11, 1944. The meeting was held according to the wish of Minister Neubacher and for the purpose of getting aquainted with the new foundations on which DM wishes to meet with a responsible German official. The meeting was attended by: Rittmeister (Cavalry Captain) Prince Wrede, Cavalry Captain von Herwarth, SS Sonderfuhrer Horak, Sergeant Fiedler, "Egon". On the DM side by: Major Racic, Captain Nesko Nedic, Captain Kalabic. Beginning: 2.20 p.m. End: 3.15 p.m. Cavalry Captain Prince Wrede: Captain Nesko Nedic has transmitted readiness of DM to talk. Provided certain prerequisites were satisfied, a highly placed German personage, and possibly the Fiihrers Special Plenipotentiary for the Southeast would be ready to comply with DM's wish to meet in person. Prince Wrede is authorized to clarify the following: firstly the conditions under which DM would wish the talks to take place, and secondly to make it known that no agreement in writing would be acceptable to the German side. As desired, the German side will maintain full secrecy concerning the talks. Asked by Cavalry Captain Prince Wrede whether Major Racic and Captain Nesko Nedic are speaking as plenipotentiaries of DM, Major Racic stated that they had been with DM on August 10, and that they were given explicit authority to conduct these talks. On his part Prince Wrede stated that he is also attending the talks on instructions from his superiors and stressed that today's occasion is only a preliminary discussion of the possibilities of arranging a meeting between Neubacher and DM. He stressed in particular, that he is not authorized to conclude any accords whatsoever. He requested Major Racic to tell him on what new basis the DM Neubacher talks could be placed. Major Racic agreed with the statement of Prince Wrede, emphasising that collaboration had thus far been limited to individual matters. A comprehensive solution should be achieved in view of the existing situation, however. The political orientation of DM and his movement has been changed completely. They propose the establishment of a national front, with the inclusion of the Serbian State Guard, Serbian Volunteer Corps, DM detachments and all anti-communist national forces. The DM movement is ready to be incorporated in such a front. The principal task is general mobilization and the creation of a Serbian national army for the purpose of destroying communism in Serbia. Once communism in Serbia is overpowered the DM movement is willing to fight in the Balkans and anywhere else under orders of the German leadership. The Bulgarians are completely unworthy occupiers. The Germans have given arms to the Albanians,

Croatians etc. because the latter knew how to flatter them. Today they are deceiving the Germans. The Germans never really knew these people for what they are. "And yet it is the Serbs whom you do not know, that are fighting for you today. We swear on our officers honour that we shall be true to you. The DM movement is ready to provide all guarantees the Germans may ask for. Our deadly hatred of communism is the best guarantee of our unswerving loyalty. We are not interested in the future. Whatever the outcome of the war, we are firmly resolved, if need be, to die gallantly fighting in the field." DM is ready to talk with Envoy Neubacher. His only request is that the meeting shall not take place in Belgrade or any other larger city. Major Racic requested that the talks be hastened as it is time to negotiate. The communists are planning large-scale action. Prince Wrede answered that he cannot suggest any date, as Envoy Neubacher is currently absent from the country. Captain Nesko Nedic stressed that the conclusion of a verbal agreement should hinge on the following two conditions: First, that DM personally should remain underground; and secondly, that members of the DM movement shall not wear German uniforms. The objective of the DM movement is to merge with all nationally-oriented forces of the Serbian people Prince Wrede stated that in case the talks are brought about he: shall suggest the King's villa at Oplenac as the venue. In view of the fact that the previous proposal made by Racic and Nesko to the effect that the meeting be held in the vicinity of Cacak had been rejected, they agreed to the above suggestion. Without dwelling on details it was stressed that the recognition of the German military administration and cessation of all attacks on the latter should be the prerequisite for an agreement. Racic broached the problem of demarcation of Serbian territory and also raised the question whether the DM movement should fight against communism also in Montenegro, East Bosnia and Srem. Prince Wrede answered that he is not in a position to state any views on this problem. Prince Wrede thereupon proceeded to sum up the wishes and proposals of the DM representatives in the following fashion: 1) DM wishes to talk with the Fiihrer's Plenipotentiary for the Southeast. 2) He is endeavouring to achieve the unification of ail nationalist Serbian forces. 3) The mobilisation and armament of all Serbs fit to join the fight against communism. Armaments and leadership shall be provided by the German Wehrmacht. 4) DM requests that he personally be enabled to remain underground. 5) Members of the DM movement shall not wear German uniforms. 6) The meeting should under no conditions whatsoever be held in Belgrade or any other big city. Our wishes: 1. DM shall agree to the conclusion of an eventual verbal not written agreement.

2. Cessation of all measures directed against the German military administration and protection of latter pledged. signed Wrede Cavalry Captain With a view to carrying out the decisions reached at the talks in Topola, another meeting was held on August 20, 1944 between Nesko Nedic and Major General von Geitner, Chief of Staff, German Military Command Southeast and other German senior officers. The establishment of three regiments consisting of Chetnik units which would be armed by the Germans and fight under German command was discussed on that occasion. (See NAW Mf. T 311, R 195, 978981). Picture is from book by Karl Hnilicka: Das Ende auf dem Balkan 1944/45,1970