JUGOSLAVIJA I MARŠALOV PLAN
YUGOSLAVIA AND MARSHALL PLAN

Summary/Abstract: This article represents the author’s attempt to throw light on Yugoslavia's position regarding the Marshall Plan; an important issue scarcely mentioned in Yugoslav historiography. The study of this topic is based on domestic and foreign archival records, published documents, articles and literature. Following the war, Yugoslavia found itself in a difficult economic condition. The possibility of accomplishing an economic reform and of setting the basis for future economic prosperity seemed unlikely without considerable outside help. The political bond with the Soviet Union and the attempt to solve economic problems in close cooperation with East European countries proved to be a mistake in every respect. On the other hand, due to extremely bad political relations, economic cooperation with Western countries, the only potential sources of significant aid, was practically brought to a standstill. Consequently, when, in the course of 1947, the American offer of economic aid was made in the form of the Marshall Plan, the Yugoslav government, having weighed ideological and political motives against economic ones, declined to participate in this program. Ideological reasons prevailed although the economic advantages which would result from participation in the Marshall Plan were evident to the Yugoslav leaders, even at that time. The considerable efforts of the British and French ambassadors in Belgrade, aimed at convincing the Yugoslav government to take part in the Marsall Plan, thus remained futile. The Yugoslav leaders would in time, following the conflict with the USSR, accept close economic relations with the West but not as part of the Marshall Plan.

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