SLOVENE CATHOLIC FACTIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00457R002700710007-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 15, 1999
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: April 1, 1949
• Content Type: REPORT

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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY REPORT NO.
INFORMATION PORT CD NO.
COUNTRY Yugoslavia
SUBJECT Slovene Catholic Fact
PLACE
ACQUIRED
DATE OF IN
25X1X6
'3"""E D I T . 16 May ;1119
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
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1. The ideological and tactical differences among both the laity and the priest-
hood have divided the Slovene Catholics into the following factionsi
a? The Leftists, headed by Kocbek, have a new political faith characterized
as "clerical Communism". The movement praises Communist doctrines but
condemns both Stalin and Tito. It is popular at the University of
Ljubljana and impresses the orthodox Comaunist youth.
b. The old Slovene Peoples Party (SLS) priests and select laity support
the extreme right. They acknowledge Dtiha Krek as the only true re-
presentative of the Catholic-oriented Slovenes.
c. The "Strazari" represent strict adherence to political clericalism and
have only a handful of followers. The majority have fled the country or
have been imprisoned.
d. The "Glavacevo" group, who are unpopular following their wartime
collaboration with the Gestapo and the SS.
e. Gosar's moderate group whose aim is to have a Catholic movement emphasize
socialism, but not to the extent of creating a Catholic proletariat.
The laity is strongly supporting Gosar.
f. A movement spearheaded by young priests is developing to cultivate the
national consciousness within the framework of Yugoslavia. Socially and
economically this movement allegedly follows the concepts offered by
the British Labor Party. It also supports the agrarian reform launched
by Tito, and is solidifying Its membership with the progressive anti-
Communist youth.
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