AUTHOR: Volodymyr YUSHKEVYCH
THE RESTORATION OF THE WORK „DECREE GIVEN BY THE RULER GRIGORE ALEXANDRU GHICA REGARDING THE PROMOTION OF THE MEDELNICER GHIȚĂ ALEVA TO THE RANK OF STOLNIC”
Danubius, XLII, Galati, 2024, pp. 149-166.
Abstract
The purpose of the research is to examine the interaction between Soviet repatriation missions and the American occupational administration within their zone of responsibility in post-war Europe (1945–1951). The study focuses on repatriation mechanisms, key challenges, and conflicts that arose during these processes.
The scientific novelty lies in the first comprehensive analysis of the activities of Soviet repatriation missions in the American zone of responsibility, based on an extensive source base. The article describes the key aspects of the “Yalta formula” for repatriation and its practical implementation. It reveals the evolution of approaches to the repatriation of Soviet citizens, highlighting the transition from cooperation to a conflict-based model of interaction. The role and impact of political, ideological, and humanitarian factors in this process are thoroughly examined.
Cooperation between Soviet missions and the American side in repatriation efforts quickly gave way to conflicts, reflecting a general trend of worsening relations between the countries during the early Cold War period. Fundamental differences in repatriation approaches – mandatory repatriation by the USSR versus the voluntary principle upheld by the United States – led to tensions and disputes. By the late 1940s, the scale of repatriation significantly decreased, and Soviet missions became tools of propaganda and coercion, ultimately resulting in the breakdown of cooperation on this issue.