MATJAŽ KLEMENČIČ
Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za
neodvisno Slovenijo Objava virov s komentarjem
The AenviriKs of the Slovene Emigrants in Canada tor the Independent Slovenia In Canada the idea of an independent Slovenia began to spread after 1948.. The Slovene National Union was organized in Canada, as well, and published the Slovenska država (The Slovene Slate) newspaper in Toronto.
The Slovene emigrants from aH over the world (except from the USA), especially those from Canada. Australia and western European countries were organized into the World Slovene Congress in 1991. an organization modeled on the Jewish World Congress as the institution of civil society with the aim of uniting the Slovene organizations throughout the world irrespective of their political beliefs. One of the most important actions in that period was the campaign for the recognition of the independence of Slovenia that was. organized by the Congress, or more precisely by its conferences, in ah the countries, except in the USA, in the period between June 26 and October 8. 1991, and January 15. 1993. The Conference of the Slovene Congress Jo r Canada grew out of the Committee to help the victims of floods in Slovenia. The majority of the Canadian-Slovene organizations took part in it. Within the framework of this conference the Slovenes alone, or together with the Croatian emigrants, organized several meetings in support of Slovene independence in the summer and autumn of 1991. In part also as a result of the efforts of the Canadian Slovenes Canada recognized Slovenia together with the countries of the European Union as early as January 15. 1992.
Keywords: Canada. Slovene emigrants, World Slovene Congress, independent Slovenia
Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Prispevek obravnava aktivnosti slovenskih izseljencev r Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo. Slovenski izseljenci so se po vsem svetu razen v ZDA organizirali v Svetovnem slovenskem kongresu leta /991. Ena od najpomembnejših aktivnosti Slovenskega kongresa je bila kampanja za priznanje Sloven ije kot neodvisne in samostojne države. Konjerenca Slovenskega kongresa za Kanado je izšla iz Odbora za pomoč žrtvam popldu v Sloveniji. Večina kanadsko slovenskih organizacij je bila pri tem soudeležena. Slovenci so v okviru konference Slovenskega kongresa za Kanado sami ali pa skupaj s Hrvati organizirali vrsto zborovanj v [podporo slovenske neodvisnosti. Stane Kranyc. predsednik kanadske konference Svetovnega slovenskega kongresa in drugi kanadski Slovenci so pisali veliko pišem kanadski ministrici za zunanje zadeve Barbari McDougall in kanadskemu ministrskemu predsedniku Briann Mulroneyu v katerih so ju seznanjali s situacijo v Sloveniji in zahtevali kanadsko priznanje slovenske neodvisnosti. Deloma tudi kot rezultat prizadevanj Slovencev v Kanadi je Kanada Slovenijo priznala kol neodvisno in samostojno državo skupaj z državami Evropske unije že 15. januarja 1992.
Ključne besede: Kanada, slovenski izseljenci, Svetovni slovenski kongres, samostojna Slovenija
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Ideja o samostojni Sloveniji se je po drugi svetovni vojni - podobno kot v ZDA, Argentini ter ostalih državah, kamor so se izseljevali pripadniki slovenske politične emigracije - pričela širiti tudi med slovenskimi izseljenci v Kanadi.1 Politični emigranti iz Slovenije so se pričeli v večjem številu v Kanado naseljevati že kmalu po koncu druge svetovne vojne. Ob prihodu so morali podpisati delovne pogodbe za 10 mesecev kot gozdni delavci. Tako je že oktobra 1947 odšla na delo prva skupina slovenskih gozdarjev. Ti so s trdim delom, kakršnega do tedaj niso bili vajeni, kmalu prihranili 1000 in več dolarjev. Januarja 1948 pa je prišla v Kanado tudi prva skupina deklet, ki so jih razporedili na delo po ravninah Omana.2
V teh prvih mesecih se zaradi "dela" slovenski izseljenci niso veliko ukvarjali s politiko. Tako se je ideja o samostojni Sloveniji med kanadskimi Slovenci pričela hitreje širiti po juniju 1948, ko se je v to državo priselilo večje število stražarjev in Članov Slovenske dijaške zveze, ključni osebnosti pa sta bili dr. Janko Pajk ter dr, Rudolf Čuješ. Tudi v Kanadi so organizirali Slovensko narodno zavezo, ki je v Torontu od leta 1954 izdajala časopis Slovenska državah
Politična aktivnost slovenske politične emigracije je po letu 1954, podobno kot v ZDA in Argentini, tudi v Kanadi pričela počasi zamirati, ali pa je z delom nadaljevala v spremenjeni obliki. Tako vse do konca 80-ih let med slovenskimi izseljenci ne naletimo na nove pobude ali poglede glede nadaljnjega razvoja Slovenije kot države.4
Tako je vse do sredine 80-ih let 20. stoletja slovenska politična emigracija združena okrog slovenskih strank iz obdobja pred II. svetovno vojno smatrala, da so vsa dogajanja v domovini - vključno z vsemi spremembami v 60-ih pa tudi v
80-ih letih 20. stoletja - pravzaprav le del nekakšne komunistične zarote zoper
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1	Matjaž Klemenčič, "Izseljenske skupnosti in ustanavljanje novih držav v vzhodni srednji Evropi: primer Slovencev (2. del)". Zgodovinski časopis, leto 50, št. 4 (105)- Ljubljana: Zveza zgodovinskih društev Slovenije, 1997.- str. 573.
2	"Slovenci v svetu' Koledar Svobodna Slovenija, leto 1 (1949). Buenos Aires, 1949, str. 173-178.
3	liogdan Novak, "Geneza slovenske državne ideje med emigracijo". Slovenci in država ~ Zbornik prispevkov z znanstvenega posveta na SAZU (od 9- do 11. novembra 1994). Ljubljana, 1995, str. 302.
Časopis Slovenska država je v začetku maja 1946 pričel izdajati "Akcijski odbor za zedinjeno in suvereno slovensko državo" oziroma skupina slovenskih političnih emigrantov v evropskih državah pod vodstvom dr. Cirila Žeboia, Ta skupina je v letih 1946 in 1947 poslala zahodnim zaveznikom več spomenic z zahtevami po ustanovitvi slovenske države, ki naj bi obsegala celorno slovensko etično ozemlje. Na pobudo patra Kazimirja ZakrajŠka je 25- julija 1950 izšla prva številka Slovenske driave tudi v Chicagu. Leta 1954 so časopis preselili v Toronto v Kanadi, kjer ga je do leta 1961 urejal dr. Rudolf Čuješ, med letoma 1961 in 1987 Vladimir Mauko, po leiu 1987 pa Luka Jamnik.
^ Novak, "Geneza slovenske državne ideje 303-
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slovenski narod. Le politiki v emigraciji naj bi bili vedeli, kaj je dobro za slovenski narod in kakšna naj bi bila nadaljnja pot slovenskega naroda. Ob tem je potrebno še poudariti, da so si bili ti politiki enotni le v kritiki komunističnega sistema, ne pa tudi v zagovarjanju določene stopnje samostojnosti slovenske države. Tako so se nad idejo samostojne slovenske države navduševali le redki posamezniki ter gibanja okrog časopisa Slovenska država, ostali pa so še dopuščali možnost kon-federativne povezave slovenske države z ostalimi državnimi tvorbami južnoslo-vanskih narodov.
Do korenitejših sprememb v odnosu do stare domovine je med slovenskimi priseljenci v Kanadi in drugod po svetu prišlo po smrti Josipa Broza Tita leta 1980, oziroma na prelomu iz 80. v 90. leta ob političnih spremembah v državah vzhodne srednje Evrope in v povezavi s tem tudi v tedanji Jugoslaviji in Sloveniji. Slovenski izseljenci iz Kanade ter drugod po svetu sveta so se (z izjemo Slovencev v ZDA) organizirali v Svetovnem slovenskem kongresu - v organizaciji, ki so jo po zgledu Judov organizirali kot ustanovo civilne družbe z namenom združitve slovenskih organizacij po vsem svetu, ne glede na njihovo politično prepričanje. Po posameznih državah, kjer žive Slovenci kot manjšine, zdomci ali kot izseljenci, so kmalu organizirali posebne konference Kongresa.5
Zaradi "... potrebe po razumevanju kanadskih Slovencev in njihovega položaja kol del kanadskega mozaika narodov, sedanjega položaja kanadskih Slovencev vis-a-vis Slovenije kot centra Slovenstva, in perspektive slovenskega naroda pri uveljavljanju slovenske suverenosti... ",6 je bil 25- maja 1990 ustanovljen tudi Kanadski Slovenski Kongres (v nadaljevanju KSK), ki je nastal iz odbora za pomoč žrtvam poplav v Sloveniji. Ustanovna seja je potekala v prostorih slovenskega starostnega doma Lipa (52 Nelson Drive) v Torontu. Na seji so izvolili 15 članov kongresnega sveta,7 ki je nato 2. junija na skupni seji izvolil organe (glavni, nadzorni in svetovalni odbor) in vodstvo KSK: dr. France Iiabjan (predsednik), prof. dr. Srečko Pregelj (podpredsednik), Stane Kranjc (podpredsednik), Leander V. Skof (tajnik), Jožica Vegel (blagajnik) itd.8 KSK, katere glavni namen je bil "... povezovanje vseh Slovencev dobre volje ter ohranjanje slovenskih izročil\ ... pripadnost slovenstvu in demokratičnim načelom ... je pod
svojim okriljem kmalu združil veČino kanadsko-slovenskih organizacij.
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5	Klemenčič, "Izseljenske skupnosti in ustanavljanje novih držav ...;i, 574.
6	Pristopna izjava Kanadsko Slovenskemu kongresu, Arhiv Kanadsko slovenskega kongresa (v nadaljevanju: Arhiv KSK). Kopije v lasti avtorja.
7	Obvestilo in vabilo na ustanovni občni zbor Kanadsko Slovenskega Kongresa, 28. aprila 1990. Arhiv KSK.
8	Poročilo z ustanovnega občnega zbora Kanadsko Slovenskega Kongresa. 4. junija 1990. Arhiv KSK.
9	Obvestilo in vabilo na ustanovni občni zbor Kanadsko Slovenskega Kongresa, 28. aprila 1990. Arhiv KSK.
Razprave in gradivo. Ljubljano. 2002. št. 40
109
V obdobju ustanavljanja KSK je zanimanje za staro domovino med kanadskimi Slovenci močno naraščalo - še zlasti, ko so slovenski izseljenski časopisi objavili dokumente o plebiscitu, ki jih je izdala slovenska vlada v domovini/ Razglas državljanom Republike Slovenije in vsem volilcem v Republiki Sloveniji,10 Zakon o plebiscitu, o samostojnosti in neodvisnosti Republike Slovenije1 Izjavo predsedstva RS) 2 in Sporazum med slovenskimi političnimi strankami glede plebiscita. ^ Kljub temu, da obstoječa zakonodaja v Republiki Sloveniji ni predvidevala udeležbe slovenskih izseljencev na plebiscitu, pa sta minister za Slovence po svetu dr. Janez Dular in Spomenica Hribar, predsednica skupščinske komisije za Svetovni slovenski kongres ter tajnica iniciativnega odbora konference Republike Slovenije za Svetovni slovenski kongres, objavila pismo, v katerem sta pozivala slovenska društva, organizacije in verska središča po svetu k zbiranju podpisov za osamosvojitev Slovenije. V njem sta navedla:
"Spoštovani.'
Skupščina Republike Sloven ije je na svojem zasedanja 6. 12. 1990 sprejela Zakon o plebiscitu, o samostojnosti in neodvisnosti Republike Slovenije. Besedilo zakona vam. pošiljamo v prilogi, posebej pa vas pri tem. opozarjamo na 5. in 6. člen: plebiscit bo dne 2J. 12. 1990, to je v dneh, ko se bo veliko naših ljudi iz tujine vrnilo na božično-novoletne počitnice v domovino, vendar po veljavni zakonodaji žal ne bodo imeli pravice neposredno glasovati na plebiscitu. Vzrok za to omejitev je časovna stiska (plebiscit moramo izpeljali čim prej, dokler so za to razmeroma ugodne okoliščine), tako da ne utegnemo pripravili novih volilnih imenikov, ki bi upoštevali vse osebe z državljanstvom Republike Slovenije, temveč smo vezani na volilne imenike, pripravljene za letošnje spomladanske volitve -ti imeniki pa so sestavljeni po načelu stalnega prebivališča na območju Republike Slovenije.
Vemo, da številni Slovenci po svetu zelo zavzeto spremljajo dogajanje v domovini in da bi- radi neposredneje vplivali nanj. Ker njihovo glasovanje pri plebiscitu iz prej omenjenih razlogov ne bo mogoče, jih želimo opozoriti vsaj na možnost bolj posrednega, političnega vplivanja na plebiscit in njihove izide. Pozivamo vas - kolikor vam to dopuščajo pravni predpisi
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10	"Razglas državljanom Republike Slovenije vsem volilcem v Republiki Sloveniji". Suobodna Slovenija, leto 49 (43), U 49-50. Buenos Aires, 13. decembra 1990. sir, 1.
11	"Zakon o plebiscitu o samostojnosti in neodvisnosti Republike Slovenije". Suobodna Slovenija, leto 49 (43), št. 49-50. Buenos Aires, 13. decembra 1990. srr. 2.
11 "Izjava predsedstva Republike Slovenije". Suobodna Slou enija, Isto 49 (43), št. 49-50. Buenos Aires, 13-decembra 1990, str. 2.
"Sporazum v skupščini RS". Suobodna Slovenija, leto 49 (43), Si. 5i- Buenos Aires, 20. decembra 1990, str. 2.
105	Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
države, v kateri sedaj živite - k zbiranju podpisov za osamosvojitev Slovenije, in sicer v obliki, kakršno predvideva 2. člen Zakona o plebiscitu: podpise bi zbirali na polah, na katerem bi bil pod plebiscitnim vprašanjem (Ali naj Republika Slovenija postane samostojna in neodvisna država?) obkrožen odgovor DA. Tako 'glasovanje'pri plebiscitu sicer ne bo imelo pravnega učinka, bo pa, če boste podatke o zbranih podpisih pravočasno poslali v domovino, zelo ugodno vplivalo na tukajšnje javno mnenje in ustvarjalo ugodno atmosfero za pozitivno odločanje slovenskih volilcev na plebiscitu oziroma za čim večjo volilno udeležbo ...
Nakazana možnost je mogoče bolj slaba tolažba, za tiste posameznike, ki si želijo neposredne in pravno veljavne pravice do sodelovanja na. plebiscitu, vendar tudi te možnosti ne bi kazalo zanemariti. Če se boste odločili za organizirano akcijo po opisanem vzorcu, vas vljudno prosimo, da podatke pošiljate na Izvršni svet Republike Slovenije - Resor za Slovence po svetu, Gregorčičeva 27, Ljubljana. Učinek bo tem ugodnejši, čim prej bodo podatki prišli k nam in čim prej bomo z njim lahko seznanili slovensko javnost. Zelo dobrodošli so tudi čkinki o plebiscitu v tamkajšnjih občilih: časopisih in radijskih postajah.
Računamo na vašo solidarnost in vas lepo pozdravljamo". ^
Ko so bili kanadski Slovenci seznanjeni z dokumenti o plebiscitu v Sloveniji, so se tudi sami - podobno kot Slovenci drugod po svetu - lotili zbiranja podpisov z izrazi podpore slovenski neodvisnosti. Tako so 18. decembra 1991 sporočili dr. Janezu Dularju, ministru za Slovence po svetu, da z veseljem sprejemajo odločitev, "... da se 23■ decembra t. L izvede glasovanje vseh Slovencev in Slovenk..." in da:
vam slovenska skupnost v Kanadi pošilja MORALNO PODPORO s podpisi, ki smo jih zbrali z željo, da bi se z isto vnemo ljudje v domovini izjavili za SUVERENO SLOVENIJO.
V nekaj dneh nam je uspelo nabrati 1200 (do 19- dec. 1990) pozitivnih glasov. Vsi vprašani so podpisali z navdušenjem ... "15
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^ "Slovenci po svetu: zbirajte podpise za osamosvojitev)" Svobodna Slovenija, leto 49(43), 49-50. Buenos Aires, 13. decembra 1990, str. 1.
15 Pismo predstavnikov slovenskih društev in organizacij v Kanadi članu IS RS za Slovence po svetu in narodnosti v Sloveniji dr. Janezu Dularju, 18. dec. 1990. Ameriška domovina, leto 93, št. 1. Cleveland (3. januarja 1991).
Rozprove in grodivo, Ljubijono. 2002. št. 40
Za to dejanje se jim je 7. januarja 1991 dr. Janez Dular v pismu, ki ga je poslal vsem slovenskim izseljenskim skupnostim po svetu, posebej zahvalil. V njem je med drugim zapisal:
"V Času priprav na plebiscit o osamosvojitvi države Slovenije sta v imenu izvršnega sveta Republike Slovenije in v imenu iniciativnega odbora konference Republike Slovenije za Svetovni slovenski kongres dala pobudo za zbiranje podpisov v podporo plebiscitni odločitvi. Odziv Slovencev po svetu je bil izredno velik in je nadvse ugodno vplival na politično ozračje v plebiscitnih dneh: okrepil se je občutek, da gre res za zgodovinsko odločitev vsega slovenskega naroda.
V	dneh od 10. do 23- decembra 1990je prispelo na naslov slovenskega izvršnega sveta čez 6.000 podpisov (zaradi težav s pošto jih je še nekaj sto prišlo tudi pozneje). Zganili so se Slovenci in Slovenke od ZDA do A vstralije, od Švedske do Madagaskarja ter nam pošiljali posamično podpisane 'glasovnice' ali pa cele pole po več deset, 5 po več sto ali celo s po več tisoč podpisi... S tem smo seznanili slovensko javnost, gradivo pa je bilo na dan plebiscita izročeno predsedniku slovenskega parlamenta dr. Francetu Bučarju. Ta je 26. decembra 1990 sporočil uradni izid plebiscita ... ter oznanil: 'Slovesno razglašam pred tem visokim zborom., slovensko in jugoslovansko ter vso svetovno javnostjo, da se je slovenski narod na temelju trajne in neodtujljive pravice do samoodločbe odločil, da Republika Slovenija postane samostojna in neodvisna država'.
V	dneh, ko se že lotevamo neposrednega uresničevanja te plebiscitne odločitve, se želimo tudi zahvaliti vsem, ki ste s svojim podpisom pripomogli k prepričljivosti tega dejanja, posebno pa tistim, ki ste pomagalipod-pisno akcijo izpeljali: predsednikom društev, vodjem dušnopastirskih. središč ter številnim iniciativnim posameznikom., ki sle z veliko požrtvovalnostjo in iznajdljivostjo v tako kratkem Času dosegli, da se je podpisovanja udeležilo toliko ljudi.
Vaša zavzetost nas zavezuje, da bomo z vsemi močmi izpolnjevali naloge, ki izhajajo iz odločitve za samostojno in neodvisno državo Slovenijo, našo in vašo domovino.
Kljub velikemu zanimanju slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za dogajanja v domovini, pa jih je vojna v Sloveniji presenetila, saj niso imeli nobenega sredstva
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^ "Zahvala za sodelovanje pri podpisni akciji ob slovenskem plebiscitu". Svobodna Slovenija, leto 50 (44), št. 2. BuenosAires, 10. januarja 1991, str. 1
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Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
za obveščanje kanadske javnosti o dogodkih v Sloveniji. Poleg tega je bila večina članov Vseslovenskega odbora, ki je v južnem Ontariu skrbel za meddrušrveno koordinacijo, takrat v Sloveniji. Tako je večji del organizacijskega bremena padlo na Jožeta Slobodnika, predsednika Slovenske gospodarske zbornice, ki je poskrbel, da so se Slovenci v južnem Ontariu kar najhitreje organizirali. Pomembno vlogo pri obveščanju vse kanadske javnosti in organiziranju Slovencev iz Kanade za pomoč domovini so odigrali tudi slovenski duhovniki iz Toronta in Hamiltona.17 Tako je torontski nadškof Alojzij AmbrožiČ, ki je slovenskega porekla le tri dni po začetku agresije jugoslovanske vojske na Slovenijo (28. junija 1991) pisal predsedniku kanadske vlade, Brianu Mulroneyju. Zahteval je, naj vlada zastavi ves svoj vpliv, in od oblasti v Beogradu zahteva ustavitev spopadov ter začetek pogajanj s Slovenijo in Hrvaško o njuni neodvisnosti.18
Duhovniki slovenske fare Torontu so dali na razpolago svoje prostore na Manning Streetu. Tam je od 2. junija dalje deloval Slovenski informacijski center, ki je bil ustanovljen kot pododbor Vseslovenskega odbora. Slovenski podjetniki so pisarno opremili s telefonom, telefaksom in računalnikom, za tekoče vsakodnevno delovanje pa je skrbela ekipa prostovoljcev. Vodstvo informacijskega centra je prevzel Leander V. Skof, za obveščanje kanadskih medijev pa je bila zadolžena Dorothy Lenarčič.1^ Seznam darovalcev objavljamo v nadaljevanju.
Z ozirom na veliko materialno škodo, ki jo je Slovenija utrpela v prvih julijskih dneh, so tudi kanadski Slovenci uvideli, da samo moralna podpora domovini ne zadostuje. Tako so že 2. julija v okviru Vseslovenskega odbora ustanovili poseben odbor za zbiranje finančne pomoči domovini - Odbor za slovenski sklacl (Slovenian Relief Fund). Vodstvo odbora je prevzel podjetnik Viktor Zenkovič, pomagala pa mu je vrsta rojakov ter slovenska drušcva in organizacije iz vse Kanade. Tako so zbrali za okrog 330.000 kanadskih dolarjev pomoči, kar dokazuje, da so bili tudi kanadski Slovenci pripravljeni marsikaj žrtvovati za svobodno in neodvisno Slovenijo.20
Kljub vsem težavam v zvezi z obveščanjem kanadske javnosti o dogodkih v Sloveniji, pa so se člani KSK skupaj z ostalimi slovenskimi izseljenci že nekaj dni po agresiji na Slovenijo lotili številnih aktivnosti v podporo slovenski neodvisnosti. Tako so že 28. junija 1991 skupaj s pripadniki hrvaške ter makedonske
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17	"Kanadski Slovenci pomagajo domovini'. Nedeljski dnevnik, šle v. 223- Ljubljana, 8, avgusta 199], sir. 7
18	Pismo torontskega nadškofa Alojzija Ambrožiča kanadskemu premieru Brianu Mulroneyju, 28. junija 1991. Pismo je bilo objavljeno tudi v: Ameriška domovina, Iclo 93, ŠL 27. Cleveland, I. julija 1991, sir. 5-
^ "Kanadski Slovenci pomagajo domovini...", 7,
John K. Galbraith, "Canadian Slovenians report activities". Ameriška domovina, leto 93. št. 29• Cleveland, 18. julija 1991, str 4.; "Pomoč žrtvam vojne v Sloveniji . Ameriška domovina, leto 93. št- 40 - priloga: Kanadska domovina. Cleveland, 3- oktobra 1991, str. 11; "Pomoč žrtvam vojne v Sloveniji", Ameriška domovina, leto 93, št. 41 - priloga: Kanadska domovina. Cleveland, 10. oktobra 1991, sir. 11.
Rozprove in gradivo, Ljubljano. 2002. šl. 40
1)3
izseljenske skupnosti organizirali zborovanje v Torontu pred parlamentom province Ontario, na katerem se je zbralo okrog 3-000 ljudi,21 Na zborovanju je spregovoril tudi predstavnik Kanadsko-slovenskega sveta, dr. Peter Klopčič, ki je zbranim v angleškem jeziku (da bi ga razumeli tudi ostali prebivalci Toronta) dejal:
"Drag i prijatelji!
Lepo vas pozdravljam in se vam zahvaljujem za vaše zanimanje za Slovenijo.
Danes je dan različnih občutkov. Po eni strani imamo zadostne razloge, da smo srečni, po drugi strani pa smo žalostni.
Veseli nas, da sije Slovenija izbrala svobodno demokratično vlado aprila 1990... Srečni smo, da je Slovenija, pred tednom dni, svojo samostojnost tudi uresničila. Ponosni smo na slovensko vojsko. Če upoštevamo, da je imela Slovenija, zelo malo časa, da je organizirala svojo teritorialno obrambo, lahko šele zdaj pravilno ocenimo kako odlično so se izkazali.
Znano nam je. kako se je Zahod izrazil glede Jugoslavije, njena totalitarna vlada, pa sije, še po teh izjavah, vzela pravico, in s svojo vojsko brezobzirno napadla Slovenijo.
Ko se je pričel napad na Slovenijo, je mlado slovensko dekle v Ljubljani izjavilo tujem.u časnikarju: 'Te žrtve je povzročil Zahod s tem, daje podprl beograjsko vlado, katera ni bila demokratično izvoljena in je še vedno komunistična.'
Na žalost je šele po teh tragičnih dogodkih Zahod začel spreminjati svoje mnenje.
Zdaj pa se obračam, na srbski narod:
Poznamo vašo zgodovino, vemo koliko je Srbija pretrpela skozi 600 let pod turškimi napadi in okupacijo. Želel bi vas opozoriti, da zdaj vaša vojska postopa s Slovenci in Hrvati tako kot so nekoč Turki z vami. Vaša zgodovina nas utrjuje v prepričanju, da nimate namena uničevati bratskih narodov, ki iščejo le svojo svobodo. Vi. se niste vdali pred nasiljem, ne pričakujte od nas, da bi ljubili svobodo manj kot vi.
Zatrjujem vam, da Slovenci ne bomo odstopili od svojih pravic. Če želite z nami bratskega sožitja, ne boste tega dosegli s tem, da pošiljate na nas
-* n- *
21 "Manifestacija v Kanadi". Svobodna Slovenija, leto 44, it. 31. Bvienos Aires, 15. avgusta 1991, str. 2.; "Množične demonstracije zdomskih Slovencev". Slovenska država, teto 42, Si. 6-7. Toronto, junij-julij 1991, str. 4.; Anica ftesnik, "Zdrava bodi, moja lepa domovina". AmeriSka domovina, leto 93, f. 33 Cleveland. 15. avgusta 1991, str. 7 in 11.
109	Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
tanke in da bombardirate našo zemljo. To, kar se dogaja ni bratstvo, to je sovraštvo in pekel.
Če hočete ravnati človekoljubno in modro, prenehajte z napadi na Slovenijo in Hrvaško, ter pokličite vojsko nazaj domov, istočasno pa priznajte odločitve tako slovenske kakor hrvaške demokratično izvoljene vlade. "22
Podobna zborovanja Slovencev v podporo demokraciji in neodvisnosti Slovenije so v nedeljo, 30. junija potekala tudi v ontarijskih mestih London in Hamikon. V ponedeljek, 1. julija je zvečer v cerkvi Brezmadežne v Torontu potekala posebna maša za domovino, ki jo je daroval torontski nadškof, dr. Alojzij Ambrožič, na kateri se je zbralo okrog dva tisoč slovenskih in hrvaških izseljencev. V svojem nagovoru je nadškof poudaril, da bi moral svet podpreti neodvisni državi Slovenijo ter Hrvaško in izjavil, da:
"... kadar se taki narodi odločajo, da bodo v svoji hiši sam svoj gospodar in pokažejo sposobnosti politične suverenosti, bi morale biti njihove odločitve sprejete in spoštovane ...
Po masi je bil razglašen novoustanovljeni sklad za pomoč Sloveniji. Člani KSK in Slovensko-kanadskega sveta so pobirali podpise k peticiji kanadski vladi za priznanje republike Slovenije. Maše za domovino so se od tega dne vršile v cerkvi Brezmadežne vsak večer.24
Podobno izjavo v podporo neodvisni Sloveniji, kot jo je izrekel med mašo za domovino 1. julija, je nadškof Ambrožič dal v naslednjih dneh tudi časopisu Toronto Star. V tej izjavi je med drugim povedal, da:
"... Slovenci ne škodujejo nikomur, če hočejo biti ne samo avtonomni, pač pa tudi samostojni. Menim, da je omejitev osebne svobode zaradi bojazni, da bi prišlo do etničnih izbruhov, konlraproduktivna. Etnična homogenost Slovenije je poroštvo, da v samostojni Sloveniji ne bo spopadov med manjšino in večino .,."25
* * *
22	"Manifestacija v Kanadi". Svobodna Slovenija, leto 50(44), i/. jI Buenos Aire.s, 15. avgusta 1991, str. 2.
23	"Kanadski Slovenci pomagajo domovini...", 7. Resnik, "Zdrava bodi, moja lepa domovina 7.
25 "Kanadski Slovenci pomagajo domovini..,", 7.
Rozpiove in grodivo. Ljubljana. 2002. šl. 40
115
Dne 6. julija se je v središču Torontu ponovno zbralo okrog 1000 Slovencev. Po poročilih slovenskega izseljenskega časopisja, so se Slovenci "... pred torontskim parlamentom ... s plakati, narodnimi nošami in novimi zastavami ... vljudno predstavili kanadski javnosti. Časopisi in TV (kanadski - op. M. K.) so začeli redno poročati o novi Sloveniji... Podobno zborovanje je mesec dni po razgla-sirvi slovenske samostojnosti (24. julija) organizirala tudi Slovenska mladina (Slovenian Youth Council). Na tem mirovnem shodu so z govori, petjem in z molitvami počastili spomin na žrtve jugoslovanske agresije na Slovenijo. Mirovni shod je močno odmeval tako med slovenskimi izseljenci v Kanadi kakor tudi med ostalo kanadsko javnostjo. Tako je Ameriška domovina v svojem poročilu zapisala, da so:
"... V poletni večer, med moderne mestne stavbe velikega Toronta ... hiteli glasovi tisoč Slovencev in oznanjali svetu stisko Slovenije. Pelje Marijinih pesmi in pesem 'K tebi želim, moj Bog', priložnostne besede č. g. Franca Slobodnika, nagovori mladih (gdč. Zupančič, Mili Kus, Tomaž Podobnik, dr. Tone Dimnik), recitator dr. Tone Kačinik (Prešernova Vrba), pevec Blaž Potočnik (odlomek iz Traviate) so spet predstavili kanadski javnosti značaj vernega kulturnega naroda. Še en prizor iz tega večera nam bo ostal globoko v spominu ... Video o vojni v Sloveniji...1:11
Slovenski izseljenci iz Toronta ter bližnje in daljne okolice so se ponovno zbrali 28. julija, ko se je na 32. Slovenskemu dnevu v slovenskem letovišču v Boltonu zbralo več kot dva tisoč ljudi. Praznovanje je bilo posvečeno razglasitvi slovenske državne samostojnosti, o čemer je pri jutranji maši spregovoril tudi župnik cerkve Brezmadežne, Ivan Plazar. Poudaril je predvsem, da so "... zadnji dogodki v Sloveniji ... združili ljudi različnih prepričanj in nazorov ..." Popoldanski program, ki ga je v sodelovanju s Slovensko-kanadskim svetom pripravil KSK, je povezovala Marta Jamnik. V kulturnem programu so nastopali mladi iz folklornih skupin "Nagelj" (Toronto, Ciril Soršak) in "Soča" (Hamilton, Tone Horvat), zbor Slovenski fantje (Lojze Oražem) ter otroci STZ (Franc Grmek).28
Po pozdravih federalne vlade, ki jih je prenesel poslanec Jesse Flis (iz okraja Toronto-Parkdale), so sledili pozdravni nagovori dr. Petera Klopčiča (Slovensko-kanadski svet), dr. Franca Habjana (KSK) ter Tomaža Podobnika (Slovenska mladina). Sledil je Še govor ministra za Slovence po svetu, dr. Janeza Dularja, ki se je
-k -k -k
Resnik, "Zdrava bodi, moja lepa domovina ...", 7.
Resnik, '"Zdrava bodi. moja lepa domovina ...". 7 in II.
Prav tam, 7 in 11,
Moljož Klernenčič: Delovonje slovenskih izseljencev v Konodl za neodvisno Slovenijo
v imenu slovenske vlade zahvalil za vso pomoč domovini. Tako se je zahvalil Slovenskemu informacijskemu centru za poročanje slovenski in kanadski javnosti o dogodkih v Sloveniji ter Slovencem iz Toronta, Hamiltona in drugih krajev Ontaria za denarno pomoč, ki jo je prejela slovenska vlada.29 Na koncu je dr. Dular prebral še pismo, ki so ga vsem udeležencem srečanja v Boltonu namenili in člani vodstva Republike Slovenije (Milan Kučan, dr. France Bučar, Lojze Peterle in dr. Dimitrij Rupel). V pismu so poleg zahval za pomoč Republiki Sloveniji izrazili tudi zadovoljstvo:
"... da sle se tudi Slovenci v Kanadi, kljub svojim, različnim politično nazorskimr generacijskim in drugim interesom povezali in uskladili pri organiziranju ... pomoči Sloveniji. Upamo, da bo pozitivna izkušnja te povezanosti učinkovala na nadalnje ravnanje vseh udeležencev še dolgo po tem, ko bosta neposredna nevarnost in stiska minili. Želimo, da bi v tem duhu izzvenelo tudi letošnje slovensko srečanje pri Boltonu ... in vas prisrčno pozdravljamo... "3°
Slovenski dan v Boltonu je pomenil tudi nekakšen pregled dejavnosti v obdobju agresije na Slovenijo in to tako s strani slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi kakor tudi s strani Slovencev v domovini. Čeprav je bila agresija na Slovenijo zaustavljena, pa končni cilj - mednarodno priznanja Slovenije kot neodvisne države -še ni bil dosežen. Zato so Slovenci svoje nadaljnje aktivnosti podredili temu cilju.
Številni kanadski Slovenci ter njihove organizacije so v pismih pozivali ministrskega predsednika Briana Mulroneyja ter ministrico za zunanje zadeve Barbaro McDougall, naj Kanada uradno prizna neodvisnost Republike Slovenije. Kanadska vlada je tako prejela na stotine pisem z zahtevo po priznanju Slovenije, ki so jih podpisali tako duhovniki, politiki ali gospodarstveniki, kakor tudi navadni ljudje. Pri tem velja Še omeniti, da so se za rešitev slovenske krize zavzeli tudi nekateri kanadski vladni poslanci.31
Konec novembra 1991 sta v prizadevanjih za priznanje slovenske neodvisnosti Kanado (oziroma Octawo) obiskala zunanji minister Republike Slovenije, dr. Dimitrij Rupel in vodja kabineta slovenske vlade Aaidrej Logar. Na tem obisku, ki
* -k -k
"Janez Dular speaks in Toronio". Ameriška domovina, telo 93. Št. 32. Cleveland, 8. avgusta 1991, str. 2.; "Dr. Janez Dular na Slovenskem dnevu v Kanadi 28. julija". Ameriška domovina, lato 93, št. 32. Cleveland, 8. avgusta 1991, str. 5.
Pismo predstavnikov slovenske vlade, namenjeno udeležencem Slovenskega dneva. Pismo, ki so ga podpisali Milan Kučan (predsednik predsedstva RS), dr. France Bučar (predsednik skupščine RS), Lojze Peterle (predsednik Izvršnega sveta RS) in dr. Dimitrij Rupel (minister RS za zunanje zadeve) je bilo 8. avgusta 1991 objavljeno na strani 5 v clevelandskem časopisu Ameriška domovina, teto 93, š< 32.
"Kanadski Slovenci pomagajo domovini". Nedeljski dnevnik, štet'. 223 Ljubljana, 8. avgusta 1991, str. 7.
Rozorave in grodivo, Ljubljano, 2002. št. 40	112
so ga organizirali predstavniki slovenske izseljenske skupnosti, sta se najprej sestala s predstvniki političnega, gospodarskega in duhovnega življenja slovenske skupnosti v Kanadi, nato pa obiskala zunanje ministrstvo Kanade. Čeprav je šlo v razgovorih z ministrico McDougallovo le za izmenjavo mnenj glede jugoslovanske krize, ne pa tudi sprejetja kakršnih koli obvezujočih listin glede priznanja Slovenije, je obisk dosegel svoj namen (zlasti v diplomatskem smislu, saj je bil vzpostavljen neposreden stik med zunanjima ministrstvoma Kanade in Slovenije). Dr. Rupel se je sestal še s predstavniki parlamentarne opozicije ter člani Odbora za zunanje zadeve in mednarodno trgovino, bil pa je tudi gost kanadskega parlamenta. Obisk dr. Dimitrija Rupla in Andreja Logarja v Ottawi so spremljali Številni mediji (TV postaje CBS ter MultiMedia International, časopis Globe andMail in seveda mediji slovenske izseljenske skupnosti).32 Ob vrnitvi v domovino se je dr. Rupel s posebnim pismom zahvalil vsem slovenskim rojakom, ki so pomagali pri izvedbi obiska, in še enkrat poudaril "...pomen zvez... rojakov po svetu s političnimi in vladnimi predstavniki držav in njihove pomoči pri navezovanju naših stikov z njuni ... kar se je pokazalo tudi ob mojem obisku v Kanadi... "33
Ker se je bližal čas božičnih in novoletnih praznikov, se je Slovencem v Kanadi (in Združenih državah Amerike) s pismom zahvalil tudi minister za Slovence po svetu in narodnosti, dr. Janez Dular. V pismu je med drugim zapisal:
"... Ko vam sporočam praznična voščila ... vam hkrati v imenu vlade Republike Slovenije in v svojem osebnem imenu izrekam zahvalo in priznanje za vašo izredno veliko in učinkovito politično, moralno in materialno podporo, ki ste jo v tem usodnem letu izkazovali svoji stari domovini in brez katere v teh dneh gotovo še ne bi bili tako blizu mednarodnemu priznanju, kakor smo.
Ko bomo ... obhajali božične praznike in pričakovali prihod leta 1992, si prikličimo v zavest spoznanje, da slovenski narod ... zmore zgodovinska dejanja, če se njegovi pripadniki enotno lotijo uresničevanja skupnih načrtov. Takih načrtov in take enotnosti, ki pa ne pomeni popolne miselne uniformiranosti, želim vam in sebi tudi v prihodnje, posebno v zvezi z gospodarskim dvigom naše mlade države in njeno odprtostjo za povezovanje s Slovenci po vsem svetu ...
i; -k -k
Dr. Zlaiko A. Verbič, "Uradni obisk dr. Dimitrija Kupla v Ottawo, Kanada 27. novembra". Ameriška domovina, leto 93, Si. 50. Cleveland, 12, decembra 1991, str. 5
33 Pismo zunanjega ministra Republike Slovenije dr. Dimitrija Kupla dr. Zlatku A. Verbiču. Ljubljana, 5- decembra 1991. Pismo je v članku z naslovom "Dr. Rupel se zahvalil kanadskim rojakom" 12. decembra 1991 objavil časopis Ameriška domovina (leto 93, S'- 50) na peti strani.
3^ "Voščilo in zahvala Slovencem v ZDA in Kanadi". Ameriška domovina, leto 53. šr. 51- Cleveland. 19- decembra 1991, str. 3.
Maljož Klernenač: Delovonie slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Omenjene zahvale s strani vladnih predstavnikov iz domovine so kanadskim Slovencem potrjevale pravilnost njihovih prizadevanj v borbi za priznanje slovenske neodvisnosti s strani kanadske vlade. Med mnogimi, ki so s takimi zahtevami obračali na kanadsko vlado, moramo omeniti predvsem podpredsednika KSK Staneta Kranjca, tajnika KSK Leanderja V. Škofa ter Wiiliama S. in Stephena S. Pavlicha iz Slovenskega informacijskega centra. Ti so v svojih pismih kanadsko zunanjo ministrico Barbaro McDougall, kanadskega ministrskega predsednika Briana Mulroneyja ter druge kanadske politike seznanjali s položajem v Sloveniji ter od njih zahtevali priznanje slovenske neodvisnosti s strani Kanade.35 Korespondenca med njimi je potekala od junija 1991 do 15. januarja leta 1992, torej do kanadskega priznanja Slovenije kot neodvisne države. To korespondenco objavljamo v nadaljevanju.
Ko danes prebiramo ta pisma, lahko ugotovimo, da so jih visoki kanadski uradniki vključno z ministrico Dougallovo jemali zelo resno, morda celo resneje od svojih ameriških kolegov, saj so njihovi odgovori kazali veliko zanimanje za dogajanja v Sloveniji.36 To je nenazadnje razvidno tudi iz dejstva, da je Kanada priznala Slovenijo skupaj z državami Evropske Unije že 15. januarja 1992.
S tem je bilo zaključeno tudi eno najpomembnejših zgodovinskih obdobij slovenske izseljenske skupnosti v Kanadi, v katerem so njeni člani po dolgih desetletjih ponovno pokazali visoko stopnjo enotnosti. Številni Slovenci so vsak na svoj način in vsak po svojih zmožnostih v propagandnem boju pripomogli k priznanju Slovenije s strani kanadske vlade. Mnogi so sodelovali v demonstracijah, ki jih je slovenska izseljenska skupnost organizirala ob pomoči nekaterih drugih jugoslovanskih izseljenskih skupnosti (hrvaške, makedonske) ali sama, mnogi pa so sodelovali v telefonskih klicih ali pri množičnem podpisovanju in pošiljanju peticij z zahtevami po neodvisnosti Slovenije.
Kljub temu, da priznanje Slovenije s strani Kanade (pa tudi vseh ostalih držav) primarno ni bilo rezultat pritiskov tamkajšnje slovenske izseljenske skupnosti, pa moramo vseeno priznati in priznavati dosežke te skupnosti, ki so vplivali na politiko Kanade do njihove stare domovine.
* * *
35 pismo Leanderja V. škofa Barbari McDougall, 3- julija 199)-: Pismo Stana Kranyca Brianu Mulroneyu z dne, 3. septembra 1991 -: Pismo Leanderja V. Škofa Baibari McDougall, 3. septembra 1991.; Pismo Leanderja V Škofa Brianu Mulroneyu. 21. septembra 1991; Pismo Leanderja V. Škofa Barbari McDougall, 27. septembra 1991-; Pismo Leanderja V. Škofa Barbari McDougall, 4. oktobra 1991; Pismo Leanderja V. Škofa Barbari McDougall. 19-olaobra 1991.; Pismo Srana Kranvca Barbari McDougall z dne, 18. novembra 1991.; Pismo Williama S. Pavlicha Barbari McDougall z d ne, 4. decembra 1991.; Pismo Stana Kranyca Barbari McDougall z dne, 9- decembra 199 L, Pismo Williama S. Pavlicha in Stephena S. Pavlicha Yvesu, ambasadorju stalne kanadske misije pri Združenih narodih, Yvesu 1-oriieru z dne, 14. decembra 1991- Vsa pisma so iz Arhiva KSK.
Pismo Barbare McDougall Leanderju V. Škofu z dne, 20. avgusta 1991.; "McDougall underlines support for CSCI-; position on Yugoslavia". Komunike Barbare Mc Dougall, 3. julija 1991 : Pismo Uabrbare McDougall Stanu Kranycu, 17. februarja 1992.;
Rgzprove in grodivo. [jubljono. 2002. šl. 40_________1 19
Na koncu je potrebno še poudariti, da je v tem prispevku predstavljen le delček prizadevanj slovenskih izseljencev iz Kanade po priznanju slovenske neodvisnosti, in da bo za popolnejšo sliko tega delovanja potrebno še veliko raziskovalnega dela. Še zlasti bo potrebno poiskati še tudi gradivo izven Toronta in njegove okolice.
120
Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Matjaž Klemenčič:
THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SLOVENE EMIGRANTS
IN CANADA FOR THE INDEPENDENT SLOVENIA
In Canada the idea of an independent Slovenia began to spread more quickly after June, 1948, when a large number of "Stražarji" (Guards), and members of "Slovenska dijaška zveza" (The Association of Slovene Secondary School Students), came to this country. The key personalities were Dr. Janko Pajk and Dr. Rudolf Čuješ. The Slovene National Union was organized in Canada, as well, and it published the Slovenska držauci (The Slovene State) newspaper in Toronto from 1954 on. After 1954 the political activities of the members of the Slovene political emigration began to slowly die out in the USA as well as in Argentina and Canada or else they continued their work in a different way. Among the Slovene emigrants there were no new initiatives or views concerning further development of Slovenia as a state up to the end of the 1980s.
Not before the death of Josip BrozTito in 1980, and particularly not before the great political changes in the countries of the east-central Europe and the former Soviet Union at the turn of the 1980s did more radical changes in the political activities among the Slovene emigrants take place. The Slovene emigrants from all over the world (except from the USA), especially those from Canada, Australia and western European countries were organized into the World Slovene Congress in 1991, an organization modelled on the Jewish World Congress as the institution of civil society with the aim of uniting the Slovene organizations throughout the world irrespective of their political beliefs. In individual European countries where the Slovenes live as autochthonous minorities (Austria, Hungary and Italy) or as guest workers special conferences of this Congress were organized. The World Slovene Congress had its central committee that was led by Bojan Brezigar from Trieste during the war for Slovenia in 1991. The neutral political ideological orientation of the Congress was particularly important at that time. One of the most important actions in that period was the campaign for the recognition of the independence of Slovenia that was organized by the Congress, or more precisely by its conferences, in all the countries, where Slovenes lived except in the USA, in the period between June 26 and
October 8, 1991, and January 15, 1992.
* * *
Bogdan Novak, "Geneza slovenske državne ideje med emigracijo". Slovana in držam - Zbornik prispevkov z znanstvenega posnela na SAZU (od 9- do 11. novembra 1994). Ljubljana, 1995, sir. 302.
Rozorave in grodivo, Ljubljano, 2002. št. 40
121
The Conference of the Slovene Congress for Canada grew out of the committee to help the victims of floods in Slovenia. The majority of the Canadian-Slovene organizations took part in it. Within the framework of this conference the Slovenes alone, or together with the Croatian emigrants, organized several meetings in support of Slovene independence in the summer and autumn of 1991. In June, 1991 a meeting was organized in Toronto in front of the Ontario Provincial Parliament that was attended by about 3,000 people. A month after the declaration of Slovene independence on July 24, 1991, the Slovenes gathered in the center of Toronto again, in front of the City Hall where the Slovene youth organized a peaceful meeting. Here die memory of the victims of Yugoslav aggression on Slovenia was honored by speeches, singing and prayers.
In July a special mass for the homeland was celebrated in Toronto by Dr. Alojzij Ambrožič, the Archbishop of Toronto, who is of Slovene descent. It was attended by about 2,000 Slovenes and Croats. In his speech the Archbishop pointed out that the world should support the independent countries of Slovenia and Croatia and said "... that when such nations decide thai they will be the masters in their own house and show the capabilities of political sovereignty; their decisions should be accepted and honored... "38
A similar statement in support of independent Slovenia was made by Archbishop Ambrožič in the newspaper Toronto Star, where he said, among other things:
"... The Slovenes do no harm to anybody if they want to be not only autonomous but also independent. I believe that the limitation of personal freedom due to the fear that there could be ethnic outbreaks is counterproductive. Ethnic homogeneity of Slovenia is a guarantee that there will be no clashes between the minority and majority in independent Slovenia ..."
Slovene priests headed by the Archbishop of Toronto also sent a written protest to the Canadian government and called upon Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and the Secretary of State for External Affairs Barbara McDougall to officially recognize the sovereign Republic of Slovenia. Thousands of Slovene emigrants also sent similar letters of protest co the Canadian government. Some governmental representatives stood up for the solution of the Slovene crisis as
well.39
* * ■*
"Manifestacija v Kanadi". Svobodna Slovenija. 44 (30, (Buenos Aires, Augusr 15, 1991), p. 2.; "Množične demokracije zdomskih Slovencev". Slovenska država, 42(6-7), (Toronto, June-July 1991), P- 4.
"Kanadski Slovenci pomagajo domovini". Nedeljski dnevnik, no. 223- (Ljubljana, August 8, 1991), p- 7.
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Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
The war in Slovenia caught the Slovenes in Canada unprepared for these events, since they had no means of communication at their disposal with the help of which they could inform the Canadian public about true events in Slovenia. Besides that the majority of members of the Pan-Slovene committee that took care of the coordination among the societies in south Ontario were in Slovenia at that time. Thus, the major part of the organizational burden fell on Jože Slobodnik, the president of the Canadian-Slovene Chamber of Commerce, who made it possible for the Slovenes in southern Ontario to organize as quickly as possible. Slovene priests from Toronto and Hamilton who were the initiators of the establishment of the "Fund for the help to Slovenia" and various other activities, played an important role in informing and organizing the Canadian Slovenes to help their homeland. The Church offered its own rooms at the church on Manning Avenue, where the Slovene information center, which was organized as the subcommittee of the Pan-Slovene committee, operated since June 2. The Slovene entrepreneurs furnished the office with a telephone, telefax, and computer, and a group of volunteers took care of the current everyday activities. Leander V. Skof took over the leadership of the information center, whereas Dorothy Lenarčič was in charge of informing the Canadian mass media.40
With regard to the great material damage inflicted on Slovenia in the first days of July, the Canadian Slovenes realized that only material support for the homeland was nor sufficient. Thus, as early as July 2 they established a special committee within the Pan-Slovene committee that was in charge of raising financial support for the homeland. The entrepreneur Viktor Zenkovič took over the leadership of this committee, and a number of fellow countrymen and various Slovene societies and organizations from the whole of Canada helped him. Until the end of July about $ 300,000 were raised. Such a great reaction to help the homeland is proof that the Slovene emigrants who lived in Canada were ready to make many sacrifices for a free and independent Slovenia.41
In connection with the demands of Slovenes that Canada should recognize the independence of Slovenia, Stane Kranyc, the president of the Canadian conference of the World Slovene Congress, should also be mentioned. He wrote a lot of letters to Barbara McDougall, the Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs, and Brian Mulroney, the Canadian Prime Minister, in which he acquainted them with the situation in Slovenia and demanded that Canada recognize the independence of Slovenia. The correspondence between them lasted from June,
1991, to January 15, 1992, i.e. to the Canadian recognition of Slovenia as an inde* * *
40 ibid. 41 Ibid.
Rozprov^ in gradivo. Ljubljana, 2002. si. 40
123
pendent state. When reading these letters , it can be established that high Canadian officials, including minister McDougall, took them seriously, possibly even more seriously than their American colleagues, since their answers showed a great interest in the events in Slovenia. Not least, this is also evident from the fact that Canada recognized Slovenia together with the countries of the European Union as early as January 15, 1992/12
Therfore, it should be clear that Slovene emigrants demonstrated a strong interest in events in their old homeland during "World War I as well as in the 1990' s. When different crises (political, economic, war) broke out in their old homelands, the Slovenes, as other European nations, proved that these were the moments of the renaissance of their national consciousness and that these events moved them,43 which was also shown in the Slovene emigrant community throughout the world when the decisive historical moments took place in Slovenia.
Interestingly enough, Slovene emigrants throughout the world reacted to the events in Slovenia between 1990 and 1992; this even holds true of the countries where they Jived in relatively small numbers, such as the Republic of South Africa or New Zealand. The reactions of the Slovene emigrants in the countries where there were relatively many groups which had been politically highly differentiated in relation to their old homeland up to the mid-1980s, showed a high level of unity in the propaganda campaigns for the recognition of Slovene independence on the part of their new homelands (the USA, Canada, Australia, etc.). Particularly in the overseas countries mentioned before, a large number of Slovenes were involved either in demonstrations organized by the Slovene emigrant community together with the Croatian one, or in phone calls or the mass signing and sending off of petitions with the demands for an independent Slovenia. This all confirms the statement of the American historian John Higham "... that whenever the old homelands are in crisis, the cohesiveness and unity in the immigrant com-
•k -k *
4-Stan Kranyc to Brian Mulroney, September 3, 1991-; Stan Kranyc to Barbara McDougall, November 18, 1991-; Stan Kranyc (o Barbara McDougall, December 9, 1991.; Barbara Mc Dougall to Sian Kranyc. May 20, 1992.; LeancJer V. Skof to Barbara Mc Dougall, July 3, 1991.;" Mc Dougall Underlines Support for CSCE Position on Yugoslavia", Press Kelease Secretary of State for External affairs No 155 ; Barbara McDougall to Leander V. Skof, August 20, 1991 ; Lenader V. Skof to Barbara McDougall, October 19, 1991,; Leander V. Skof to Barbara McDougall, October 4, 1991-; Leander V. Skof to Barbara McDougall, September 27, 1991.; Leander v Skof to Barbara McDougall, September 3, J991-; Leander V. Skof to Brian Mulroney, September 21, 1991-; Leander V. Skof to Brian Mulroney, July 3, 1991-; William S. Pavlich to Barbara McDougall, December 4, 1991-; Stephen S. Pavlich and William S. Pavlich to Yves h'oruer, Amb. Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN in New York City, December 1-1, 1991 Archive of the Canadian Slovenian Congress, Published in the next part of this essay.
HricllJ. Hobsbawm, Nationen und NaiionaHsmus ■ Mythos und Realitdt seit ¡780. (MGnchem DTV, 1996), p. 1S2.
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Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
munities reaches the highest level.This fact, however, will help these communities to survive slightly longer in America's melting-pot. Analogously, this fact holds true of other countries of immigration.
Finally, it should be emphasized that this contribution presents only a small part of the efforts of the Slovene diaspora on the North American continent. Much more research is needed to complete the picture of these activities.
* * *
John Higham, Introduction: "The Forms of Ethnic Leadership". Ethnic leadership in America. (Baltimore: The John Hopkins University Press, 1978), p. 4.
Razprave in gradivo. Ljubljano. 2002. št. 40
125
DOKUMENTI O DELOVANJU SLOVENSKIH IZSELJENCEV V KANADI ZA NEODVISNOST IN MEDNARODNO PRIZNANJE REPUBLIKE SLOVENIJE
Viri:
Ameriška domovina (iz leta 1991) Zasebni arhiv STANA KRANYCA
1990-1992:	prvi predsednik Vseslovenskega odbora 1989-1993: podpredsednik SSK - Konference za Kanado
1991-1992:	direktor Slovenske gospodarske zbornice 1994 : predsednik SSK - Konference za Kanado
svetovalec Vseslovenskemu odboru
126
Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
6. DECEMBER 1989
TORONTO 6-DEC-1989 STANE K RAN J C
OBJEKTIV - NALOGA INICIATIVNEGA ODBORA ZDOMSKIH SLOVENCEV KANADA
ODBOR NAJ ZASTOPA VSE SLOVENCE NA RAVNI NADSTRANKARSKIH IN SLOVENSKIH IDEALOV, KI ZADEVAJO UVELJAVITEV IN RAST SLOVENSKEGA NARODA.
POVEZUJE NAJ SLOVENCE V KULTURI, ZNANOSTI, GOSPODARSTVU IN POLITIČNO PLURALISTIČNEM DEMOKRATIČNEM SISTEMU DA SLOVENSKI NAROD SAMOODLOČA, USTANAVLJA IN GRADI SVOJO BODOČNOST SAM.
Stane Kranjc
Rozpravg in gradivo, [jubljano, 2002, si. <40________1_27
APRIL 1990.
CANADIAN SLOVENIAN CONGRESS - CSC
During the Last six months, several articles were published pertaining to the Slovene World Congress.
In this article, I would like to present my and the Canadian Slovenian Congress Steering Committee's views of what CSC is, it's purpose and how does the CSC become a live organization.
1.	The Canadian Slovene Congress - CSC - is an organization of Canadian
Slovenians, legally functioning in Canada
Slovenians who base their beliefs and activities on multiculturalism and democratic principals may become members of CSC.
2.	Objectives of the CSC are:
To speak for the aspirations and needs of Slovenians in Canada and Slovenia.
To render assistance to needy Slovenians and to Slovene immigrants in Canada.
To support youth organizations with reference to Slovenian history, culture and traditions.
To nurture, strengthen and extend Slovenian culture based on Slovenian beliefs and traditions.
To be an independent member of the Slovenian World Congress and to establish and practice co-operative relationships with SWC and other Slovenian organizations world wide.
To support active participation of Canadian Slovenians in the cultural, economical and political life of Canada and to strengthen bonds between Canadian Slovenians and the rest of Canadian society.
3.	The Canadian Slovene Congress Constitution and Congressional organiza-
tional ground work is presently in the developmental stage. When this work is completed, it will be presented to the Slovene Congress membership and it will be subject to their approval.
To date, the Congress is an idea. The CSC Steering Committee believes that this is a good idea, supported by the majority of Slovenians. Better described, "We presently have a model of a beautiful Slovene body, however, this body needs soul to become a life." This soul can only be given by Slovenians, DEMOCRATl-
123_Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
CA.LLY electing congress representatives and approving the constitution. AJ1 Slovenians, young and old, men and women are welcome to join and participate in the CSC. A large membership with mixed representation will give the Congress strength. The younger generation will give the Congress a future.
Stan Kranjc
MISS1SSAUGA ONTARIO, CANADA April 1990
Rozorave in grodivo, Ljubljano, 2002. št. 40
129
Obvestilo in vadilo na ustanovni občni zbor Kanadsko Slovenskega Kongresa z dne, 28. aprila 1990.
OBVESTILO
I N
VABILO
Iniciativni odbor Kanadsko Slovenskega Kongresa sporoča vsem slovenskim rojakom v Kanadi, da se bo vršil USTANOVNI OBČNI ZBOR Kanadsko Slovenskega Kongresa v petek 25- Maja 1990 ob 7h zvečer v prostorih slovenskega starostnega doma LIPA, 52 Nelson Drive, Toronto, Ontario.
Z veseljem tudi sporočamo, da se je gibanje Slovenskega Svetovnega Kongresa dejansko razširilo in uresničilo ne le v matični domovini ampak skoraj v vseh slovenskih skupnostih po svetu. Tako se je ideja uresničila v Ljubljani, Trstu, Celovcu, Nemčiji, Franciji, Belgiji, Švici, ZDA ter Kanadi. V Argentini in Australiji (sic!) so tudi sprejeli idejo z veseljem.
Glavni namen kongresnega gibanja je povezovanje vseh Slovencev dobre volje ter ohranjanje slovenskih izročil. Pogoj za vstop v kongresno gibanje je pripadnost slovenstvu in demokratičnim načelom.
Namen USTANOVNEGA občnega zbora je organizacijska uresničitev ter izvolitev njenih predstavnikov, volitev 15 članov kongresnega SVETA, ki bo potem izvolil Izvršni odbor.
Z izpolnitvijo pristopnega obrazca postanete redni član Kanadskega Slovenskega Kongresa. Članarina znaša $ 10.00. Na voljo so tudi pooblastila za vse tiste, ki se osebno ne bi mogli udeležiti občnega zbora.
NAS VI DE NJE 25- MAJA.
V Torontu, 28. aprila 1990.
ZA INICIATIVNI ODBOR KANADSKO SLOVENSKEGA KONGRESA:
Stane Kranjc	France Habjan
Poverjenik za izvršitev	Organizacijski tajnik
programov
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Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Pristopna izjava Kanadsko Slovenskkmu kongresu
KSK 770 BROWN'S LINE, TORONTO. M8W3W2
KONGRESNA MISEL Kanadsko Slovenski kongres povezuje in združuje Slovenke in Slovence dobre volje v Kanadi na temelju vzajemne pomoči in zavezanosti slovenstvu.
USTANOVITEV KANADSKO SLOVENSKEGA KONGRESA
Potreba po ustanovitvi Kanadsko Slovenskega Kongresa izhaja iz potrebe po razumevanju kanadskih Slovencev in njihovega položaja kot del kanadskega mozaika narodov, sedanjega položaja kanadskih Slovencev vis-a-vis Slovenije kot centra Slovenstva, in perspekcive slovenskega naroda pri uveljavljanju slovenske suverenosti.
Iniciativni odbor meni, da vsi trije navedeni razlogi narekujejo daljnosežno avtonomno, narodnostno in politično dejanje: ustanovitev vsenarodne organizacije kanadskih Slovencev, ki si ob razumevanju in spoštovanju medsebojnih razlik prizadeva za ohranitev in razcvet slovenstva v Kanadi. Pogojuje tudi željo povezovanja z ostalimi Slovenci živečimi po celinah sveta preko Svetovnega Slovenskega Kongresa v slovensko občestvo.
Kongres, kakor ga predlaga iniciativni odbor, je neodvisen od oblastnih struktur in države, od političnih strank, verskih ustanov, kulturnih in društvenih organizacij, gospodarskih podjetij - korporacij ter od poklicnih in stanovskih združenj, ki ne pogojujejo njegovega dela.
Kongres se konstituira iz aktivnih članov. Kongres je ustanovljen z USTANOVNIM ZBOROVANJEM aktivnih Članov - Slovencev: le-ti sprejmejo program in statut ter izvolijo vodstvo, ki bo zagotovilo demokratično upravljanje Kongresa.
S podpisom tega predloga in s plačanjem članarine pristopam k pobudi za ustanovitev KANADSKO SLOVENSKEGA KONGRESA.
PRISTOPAM K POBUDI ZA ORGANIZACIJO KANADSKO SLOVENSKEGA KONGRESA kot nestrankarske, nadideološke in nadkonfisionalne povezovalne in solidarnostne organizacije vseh kanadskih Slovencev. Kongres bo povezan s
Rozprove in grooivo. Ljubljana. 2002. II. 40
Svetovnim Slovenskim Kongresom v slovensko občestvo.
KRAJ:__________________________Podpis:
Naslov:
DATUM: Tel. št.: _
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Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Poročilo z ustanovnega občnega zbora Kanadsko Slovenskega Kongresa
(4. junija 1990)
25- maja 1990 se je v Torontu - Kanada vršil ustanovni občni zbor Kanadsko Slovenskega Kongresa ob obilni udeležbi rojakov v slovenskem staroscnem domu LIPA. Organizatorji so namenoma izbrali to osrednjo slovensko institucijo, ker prav ta institucija najbolj pogojuje slovensko solidarnost.
Zbor je bil dobro pripravljen in organizatorji so povabili na zbor slehernega slovenskega rojaka z dobro voljo. Občni zbor je veljal kot zbor osrednje kanadske kongresne organizacije, zato so bili zastopani posredno po pooblastilih rojaki iz Vancouvra, Port Alberina, Edmontona; osebno pa so prisostvovali zastopniki iz Windsora, Londona, Hamiltona, Oshawe, Ottawe ter Toronta. Kot gosta sta prisostvovala Dr. Silvester Lango iz New Yorka ter Dr. Rudolf Susel iz Clevelanda.
Odziv k kongresnemu gibanju je bil v vsej Kanadi zelo odmeven. Ob razgovorih s Številnimi zastopniki je bilo mogoče ugotoviti, da je kongresna ideja za današnjo slovensko srvarnost najprimernejša, ki bo hkrati tudi povezovala vse slovenske rojake na skupnem imenovalcu - SLOVENSTVU. Kanadski Slovenski Kongres je tesno povezan s Svetovnim Slovenskim Kongresom.
Namen občnega zbora je bil dvojen: predstaviti organizacijsko obliko KSK (osnutek konstitucije) ter izvolitev 15 Članskega SVETA. Navadno je težko napolniti odborniška mesta, tokrat pa se je za odborniŠka mesta potegovalo skoraj dvojno število kandidatov. Občni zbor je izvolil Svet, ki se je potem 2. junija sestal in izvolil ter oblikoval sledeče odbore:
GLAVNI ODBOR:
Predsednik;	Dr. France Habjan Prvi podpredsednik: Klin. Prof. Dr. Srečko Pregelj
Drugi podpredsednik; za organizacijska vprašanja:	g. Stane Kranjc
Tajnik:	g. Leander Škof, M.B.A.
Blagajnik:	ga. Jožica Vegelj
Član-za uresničitev programov:	g. Peter Čekuta
Član-za gospodarska vprašanja:	g. Lojze Kocijančič
Član-za mladinska vprašanja:	g. Tone Komljanec
Član-ex officio:	Dr. Zlatko Verbič
ORGANIZACIJSKO SVETOVALNI ODBOR:
Predsednik:
Član-za gospodarske odnose:
Dr. Stane Bah g. France Osredkar
Razprave in gradivo. Ljubljano, 2002. šl. 40
133
Član-za Kanadsko Slovensko gospodarsko zbornico: g-Jože Slobodnik
Dr. Stane Bah je bil izvoljen tudi za načelnika Sveta KSK in bo vodil občasne seje vseh treh odborov.
NADZORNI ODBOR:
Predsednik: g. Jože Kastelic Član:	g. Valentin Batič
Član.	g. Jože Pogačar
Občni zbor je enoglasno sprejel predlog Staneta Kranjca, da se kanadska organizacija preimenuje iz Konference Zdomskih Slovencev - Kanada v Kanadsko Slovenski Kongres (KSK). Ob zaključku so vsi prisotni stoje zapeli Zdravljico. Na prvi seji Sveta bo glavni odbor predstavil program za letošnje poslovno
VTorontu, 4. junija 1990
Za Svet KSK:
Dr. Stane Bah Dr. France Habjan Jože Kastelic

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Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
JUNIJ 1990
Božji Besedi julij 1990
KANADSKI SLOVENSKI KONGRES
25. maja je bil ob številni udeležbi slovenskih rojakov v dvorani slovenskega starostnega doma Lipa ustanovni občni zbor Kanadskega slovenskega kongresa. Namen občnega zbora je bil predstaviti širši javnosti osnutek statuta in izvoliti organizacijske odbore. Temeljna ideja kongresa je nestrankarska. To pomeni, da je namen kongresa povezati vse slovenske rojake v Kanadi, ki jim je še pri srcu usoda slovenstva. Na občnem zboru so udeleženci, ki so se zavestno in prostovoljno razglasili za somišljenike, izvolili 15 članov kongresnega sveta. Izvoljeni svet se je 2. junija sestal na skupni seji. Izvolil in oblikoval je sledeče odbore:
Glavni odbor, predsednik dr. France Habjan, podpredsednika: prof. dr. Srečko Pregelj in Stane Kranjc; tajnik Leander Škof, blagajnik Jožica Vegel; odbornik za programe Peter Čekuta; odbornik za gospodarska vprašanja Lojze Kocjančič; odbornik, zadolžen za mladino Tine Komljanec; dr. Zlatko Verbič kot odbornik. Nadzorni odbor, predsednik Jože Kastelic, Tine Batič in Jože Pogačnik Člana. Svetovalni odbor, dr. Stane Bah kot predsednik, Frank Osredkar in Jože Slobodnik člana.
Rg^prave in grodivo. Ljubljono, 2002. st. 40
135
plsmo stana kranjca 2 dmi, 31. avgusta 1990
August - 31 -1990
TO CORPORATION BRANCH CONSUMERS L CORPORATE AFFAIRS CANADA
PHASE II - IVFloor, Plan Du PORTAGE HULL, Quebec Kl A 0C9
Dear Sir - Madam
I'am writing on behalf of Canadian Slovenian Congress - CSC-with the objective to obtain CSC Charter.
CSC is an organization with 'NO SHARE CAPITAL"
Could you, please forward to me all the necessary information so that we could proceed with registration and search am goal as soon as possible. For your information I am attaching a copy of Canadian Slovenian Congress Constitution and by laws.
Thanking you in advance
Sincerely
STAN KRANJC VP CSC
444 ABRUZ BLVD MISSISSAUGA L5A 1N2
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Mal|QŽ Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Amkriška domov/na 93 (1) ■ 5. Cleveland, January 3, 1991-
Toronto, 18. dec. 1990
ČLANU IS RS ZA SLOVENCE PO SVETU IN NARODNOSTI V SLOVENIJI
Predstavniki slovenskih društev in organizacij v KANADI
dr. Janezu DULARJU
CENJENI!
Z veseljem sprejemamo odločitev Slovenske Skupščine, da se 23. decembra t. 1. izvede glasovanje vseh Slovencev in Slovenk in s tem dejanjem izrazi naša pravica do suverenosti.
Ker se zavedamo, da je od plebiscita odvisna slovenska bodočnost in narodni obstoj, vam slovenska skupnost v Kanadi pošilja MORALNO PODPORO s podpisi, ki smo jih zbrali z željo, da bi se z isto vnerno ljudje v domovini izjavili za SUVERENO SLOVENIJO.
V nekaj dneh nam je uspelo nabrati 1200 (do 19. dec. 1990) pozitivnih glasov. Vsi vprašani so podpisali z navdušenjem.
l.r. dodano in težje Čitljiv je bil podatek, daje bilo do 19■ dec. 1990 nabranih 1200podpisov. - Ur.
Z velikim pričakovanjem:
Slovenske župnije v Kanadi Slovenska Krščanska Zveza Slovenska Narodna Zveza Slovenska Država Slovensko Državno gibanje S.P.K. borci
Slovenska Trgovska zbornica Kanadsko Slovenski Kongres
dr. Peter Klopčič dr. Luka Jamnik Jamnik
ga. Em a Pogačar dr. Franc Habjan
dr. August Kuk Stane Pleško
Rev. Valentin Batič, C.M.
Rozprgvfi in gradivo. Ljubljano, 2002. št. 40
137
Amkriška domovina 93 (26): 1. Clkveland, June 27, 1991-
VESTI 12 SLOVENIJE Slovenskim društvom in organizacijam po svetni
Sledi tekst sporočila, ki ga je poslal pretekli ponedeljek dr. Janez Dular v imenu slovenske vlade: "Skupščina Republike Slovenije je dne 24. 6. 1991 ob 20.00 z več kot dvotretjinsko večino sprejela ustavno dopolnilo Št. 100, po katerem na zastavi Republike Slovenije ni več rdeče peterokrake zvezde. Na trgu pred skupščino pa že postavljajo odre za pojutriŠnjo (26. junija, op. ur.) slovesnost ob razglasitvi naše samostojnosti."
Nato dr. Dular dodaja: "Pritiski na nas so zelo hudi, vendar smo odločeni vztrajati. Rojake po svetu pozivamo, naj (seveda v skladu z zakoni držav, v katerih živijo) vplivajo na javno mnenje in vlade, da bodo Republiko Slovenijo po razglasitvi njene samostojnosti in neodvisnosti čim prej priznale in navezale diplomatske stike z njo."
Združene države in Evropska skupnost ne bodo priznale neodvisne Slovenije in ji tudi ne dale gospodarske pomoči.
Že preteklo nedeljo so se sestali predstavniki dvanajst držav članic Evropske skupnosti in se zedinili, da te države ne bodo priznale neodvisnosti Slovenije in Hrvaške, če se ti republiki enostransko odločita zapustiti jugoslovansko federacijo. Isto je po svojem obisku pretekli petek Beograda rekel ameriški državni sekretar James Baker. Poleg tega, Slovenija ne more pričakovati nobene gospodarske pomoči.
Na stališče ES, gotovo tudi na stališče ZDA, je slovenski republiški sekretariat za zunanje zadeva dal izjavo, ki vsebuje bistvene elemente politike slovenske oblasti: "Stališče dvanajstih držav Evropske skupnosti, da ne bodo priznale neodvisnosti Slovenije in Hrvatske, če se odločita enostransko zapustiti jugoslovansko federacijo, nas preseneča v tem, da prihaja pred formalno odločitvijo naših dveh republik. Za priznanje namreč nismo zaenkrat zaprosili še nobene drŽave.
Preseneča nas tudi predpostavka o 'enostranski odločitvi'. Kar zadeva Slovenijo, svojega procesa razdružicve ne pojmuje kot enostransko odločitev, ampak kot odločilen dogodek v procesu sporazumevanja, pogajanja in sodelovanja pri oblikovanju novih razmer, ki so nujne za mirno sožitje med narodi Jugoslavije.
Pač pa nas stališče dvanajsterice ne preseneča, če ga razumemo kot pritisk na demokratične procese, na postopke zavarovanja nacionalnih interesov, Človekovih pravic in drugih pridobitev, ki izhajajo iz pravice slehernega naroda do samoodločbe. V tem je stališče dvanajsterice protislovno in ga bo potrebno še
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Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
preučili. Slovenska zunanja politika ne more in noče ignorirati mednarodne javnosti in razmer v Evropi, obenem pa seveda ni pripravljena pozabiti na plebiscitarno odločitev Slovencev in drugih državljanov Slovenije, ko gre za demokratično voljo in za celotno delovanje slovenskih državnih ustanov.
Veseli bomo vsake strokovne in gospodarske pomoči, ki bo namenjena demokratično sprejetim projektom in ki nas bo povezala z modernim svetom. Slovensko osamosvajanje je posledica nedemokratične prakse dosedanje Jugoslavije; je ugovor zoper nespoštovanje enakopravnosti in dostojanstva narodov na njenih tleh.
Izjave, ki pozivajo k enotnosti Jugoslavije in na ultimaliven način svarijo pred osamosvoj.irven.imi dejanji Slovenije, lahko prinesejo učinke, ki ne bodo v skladu z nameni takšnih izjav, lahko jih bodo razlagali kot oporo centralističnim in celo represivnim silam, ki želijo ohraniti Jugoslavijo nedemokratično, neučinkovito in zaprto za moderno Evropo,"
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Pismo torontskega nadškofa Alojzija Ambožiča kanadskemu premieru Brianu Mtilroneyju z dne, 28. junija 1991 Pismo je bilo objavljeno v Ameriški domovini 93 (27) : 5-Cleveland, Juiv 1, 1991.
MOST REVEREND ALOYSIUS M. AMBROZ1C ARCHBISHOP OF TORONTO 355 Church Street Toronto, Ontario M5B 1Z8 416/977-1500 ? Fax 416/977-1778
June 28, 1991.
Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister of Canada, Langevin Block House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Dear Prime Minister:
With growing concern and apprehension, I have followed the events in Slovenia, the land of my birth and its neighbouring republic of Croatia.
The Armed Forces of Yugoslavia seem to be determined to thwart the clearly-manifested will of the overwhelming majority of the people of Slovenia and Croatia to be masters of their own social, political and economic destiny.
I appeal to the Government of Canada to do everything in its power to induce the Yugoslav Armed Forces to end their violence and the Belgrade government to negotiate with the Republics of Slovenia and Croatia in good faith and with full respect of their freedom and equality.
I invite all who treasure their own freedom to support the desire for freedom on the part of those who are in serious danger of loosing it.
Yours in Christ,
AJoysius Ambrozic
Archbishop of Toronto
MO
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Izjava za javnost Barbare McDougall z hm;, 3-julija 1991
News Release Secretary of
State for External Affairs
Communique Secretaire d'Etat aux Affaires exterieures
No. 155
July 3,1991
MCDOUGALL UNDERLINES SUPPORT FOR CSCE POSITION ON YUGOSLAVIA
The Secretary of State for External Affairs, the Honourable Barbara Mc Dougall, stated today that Canada fully endorses the urgent appeal by the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), which calls upon all parties in Yugoslavia to cease hostilities and to implement commitments made under an earlier ceasefire.
"A just and lasting solution in Yugoslavia can only be achieved trough peaceful negotiation and respect for democratic principles," said the Minister. The CSCE statement, which was issued today at an emergency meeting in Prague, calls on all parties in Yugoslavia to: ■ stop fighting;
exercise political control over all armed forces;
send all forces back to their barracks and stop all hostile actions against those barracks; and
release all prisoners taken during the hostilities. Mrs. McDougall said that Canada was participating actively in the CSCE's emergency meeting, which is scheduled to end tomorrow.
"We are in constant touch with our European partners and will work with them in efforts to contribute to a peaceful resolution of this crisis," stated the Minister.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
External Affairs and International Trade Canada (613) 995 - 1874
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Pismo Leanderja v. Škofa Barbari McDougall z dne, 3- julija 1991
770 Browns Line, Toronto, Ontario M8W 3W2
July 3- 1991
The Honourable Barbara McDougall Secretary of State for External Affairs House of Commons Ottawa, Otario K1A0A6
Dear Madame Minister:
In order to prevent further bloodshed in Slovenia, we urgently request that you take appropriate steps to recognize the democratic Republic of Slovenia as soon as possible.
At the same time we urge you to intervene and help that international observers are immediately sent to the Republic of Slovenia to stop this bloody aggression by the communist Serbian controlled Yugoslav Peoples Army. Your prompt action in this matter is essential to stop slaughter of innocent victims.
Sincerely,
Leander V. Skof
Secretary General
Canadian Slovenian Congress
Tel.: (416) 283 4290
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Ameriška domovina 93 (29): 4. Clf.vi:Land, July 18, 1991-
Canadian Slovenians report activities
A candlelight Vigil will be held on Wednesday, July 24 at 8:30 pan. in Nathan Phillips Square (Toronto City Hall). This will mark the first month's anniversary of Slovenia's independence and those who died defending it. All Slovenians are urged to attend this event, especially young persons. Please do not bring regular candles, as these have been banned by the city. Special dripless "candles" will be available for purchase for $2.00 with proceeds going to the Relief Fund. Call the Slovenian Information Centre for further information, at 259-9182.
Economic War
Slovenia needs your help to rebuild its shattered economy. Make your checks payable to "Slovenian Relief Fund" and send it to the Slovenija Credit Union (618 Manning Ave., 739 Brown's Line or 125 Centennial Parkway N., Hamilton). Donations are also being accepted at the John E. Krek Slovenian Credit Union (646 Euclid Ave., or 747 Brown's Line). The first 10 persons to make donations over $ 1,000 will receive a framed work of art, courtesy of Slavko Crepinsek. You can also support Slovenia by purchasing flags of the new republic and T-shirts.
Slovenia's Damage
Damage estimates from the Yugoslav Army attacks are staggering. Damage to roads and highways, railroads, communications and air Transport alone, are estimated at more than (U.S.) $189 million.
And the tourism industry, which is critical to Slovenia's economy, is in a cata-stophic state now. In Bled, where last year at this time they registered over 4,000 overnight stays, only Hotel Toplice and Hotel Bled are open (as of July 12, they had 21 gusets between them).
The hotels along Slovenia's coast are closing for the season (e.g. the whole of Portorož has registered only 296 guests so far this season.)
All told, lost business, physical damage and the cost of defending the republic has been estimated to total about (U.S.) $2.7 billion.
During the conflict, the Yugoslav National Bank adopted a policy of monetary isolation of Slovenia. This includes: stopping the flow of all credits based on currency issues; the elimination of the Bank of Slovenia from the foreign currency market; prohibition of credit-taking abroad and stopping all deliveries of cash. As a result of these actions, the Republic of Serbia is delaying all due payment to the Republic of Slovenia. It is withholding Slovenian goods and payment for goods sold in Slovenian shops on Serbian territory.
"Wealth is not without its advantages."
John K. Galbraith
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Ameriska domovj\>a 93 (32): 2. Cleveland, August 8, 1991.
Janez Dular speaks in Toronto
The folio wingspeech was given by Dr. Janez Dular; Slovenia's public relations minister of Slovenians living in other countries. Madam Chairperson, brati in sestre!
First of all, it is my pleasure to bring greetings from the official opposition John Cretien. Yesterday, we were at the function in Toronto and I told him where I was going. He asked me to express his wishes, his deep concern for what is happening in Slovenia today. [He said also]
I was very moved by your new national anthem. I did some research and I got the translation of your national anthein. My wife Sofi and I attend many functions. When we sing our national anthem, we sing about our country, "stand on guard for Thee." When I heard the national anthem of our parents, "May the country always live until we live ...", yesterday I stood for the national anthems of the Philipinos, of the Italians, but your national anthem is very different, because it says "God's blessings on all nations ..." This is the first national anthem which addresses the world, the planet. It says,"... who long and work for that bright day, when all earth's habitations no war, no strife should hold its sway ..." Slovenians are saying, "Throughout the world there be no war." "Who long to see, that all men free" - not only the people in Slovenia, but that all men be free, "... no more shall foes, but neighbors be." In other words, this is the first national anthem which addresses the globe. That is why I said, ''bratje in sestre." We are all brothers and sisters on this planet.
But I want to thank the Slovenian Information Centre on Brown's Line in Etobicoke. This information center is an umbilical cord to Ottawa, to the external affairs and what's happening in Slovenia. That is coming through my assistant Mary Kancer, who is Canadian of Slovenian descent.
Your Information Center sent me the letter which President Milan Kucan sent to the Secretary General of the United Nations. In this letter, we don't have time to read all of it, but I would just like to quote this:
"Mr. Secretary General! I consider it necessary to inform you as the first of the United Nations and a renown fighter for peace and cooperation among nations, that we have done everything that a small attacked state of Slovenia could do in order to say farewell to the arms and stop the war in the heart of Europe. We will do everything for the cease-fire to grow into the lasting and peaceful agreement on cooperation based on mutual interests of all parties. The principles of the UN charier and the relevant documents of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe shall be reached. We cannot renounce our independence,
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but we are willing to negotiate in order to find an agreement regarding many topics."
Looking at the national anthem, looking at the letter that Mr. Kucan sent to the United Nations, Slovenians want this problem resolved peacefully. Ladies and gentlemen, that is the position of the federal government, and I thank T can speak for all three parties and for all members of Congress - we want this problem in Slovenia and Croatia to be resolved through negotiations, not through arms. We have had enough killings in the world ...
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Ameriška domovina 93 (32): 5. clf.vf.land, august 8, 1991-
Dr. Janez Dular na Slovenskem dnevu v Kanadi 28. julija
Na letošnjem Slovenskem dnevu v Boltonu, severno od Toronta, dne 28 julija, je bil Častni gost dr. Janez Dular, minister za Slovence po svetu in narodnosti v Sloveniji. Ker nismo bili vnaprej obveščeni o njegovi navzočnosti, nismo mogli bralcem lega sporočiti Tudi sam. tekst govora je moral priti iz Ljubljane. Če bomo dobili poročilo o Slovenskem dnevu, bomo naknadno poročali. V tekstu dr. Dularjevega govora opozorim predvsem na del, ki se nanaša na slovensko razumevanje pomena Brionske deklaracije, katere tekst ste imeli priliko brati v zadnji številki tega lista.
Dr. Rudolph M. Susel
— Govor dr. Janeza Dularja —
Gospe in gospodje, drage Slovenke in Slovenci, spoštovani gostje!
Dežela in ljudstvo, iz katerega izhajate vi neposredno ali pa vasi starši, je bila za veČino širšega tujega sveta prav do nedavnega samo neka brezimena pokrajina na severozahodu balkanske države Jugoslavije. Demokratizacija v vaši stari domovini, njeno državnopolitično osamosvajanje, posebno pa njena odločenost, da že razglašeno neodvisnost brani, če je treba tudi z orožjem, pa so ime te domovine naredile znano in že kar slavno. To se čuti tudi v Kanadi, ne nazadnje zaradi vas, kanadskih Slovencev, ki ustrezno informirate kanadsko javnost. Ko sem v petek ob 2.00 uri popoldne (26. jul., op. ur.) z letalom priletel v kanadski zračni prostor tam nekje nad Labradorjem, sem po radiu poslušal poročila neke kanadske radijske postaje; med prvimi besedami, ki sem jih kljub brnenju letalskih motorjev in kljub radijskim motnjam prav dobro slišal, je bila beseda Slovenija iz ust kanadske radijske napovedovalke.
Slovenci smo svojo neodvisnost skušali doseči popolnoma po mirni poti, samo s pogajanji, žal pa so naše večkrat ponovljene pobude za pogajanja naletele pri osrednjih jugoslovanskih oblasteh in v večini jugoslovanskih republik na gluha ušesa. Do pogajanj je prišlo zelo pozno, šele po posredovanju mednarodne skupnosti, potem, ko so že padle številne človeške žrtve in ko je bila že storjena velikanska materialna škoda.
Tudi zdaj, po zmagi slovenske vojske si prizadevamo za miroljubno rešitev; zato smo tudi sprejeli Brionsko deklaracijo, čeprav so nam nekateri nekaj časa
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očitali, da je to kapitulacija. V resnici pa je bistvo Brionske deklaracije v tem, da naša razglasitev neodvisnosti ostaja nepreklicana, da pa Šestmesečni rok za pogajanja, ki ga je takoj po plebiscitu določila Skupščina Republike Slovenije, podaljšujemo za tri mesece, torej na devet mesecev, po tem roku pa nam je mednarodna skupnost pripravljena priznati upravičenost naše osamosvojitve. Ta rešitev je nedvomno bistveno boljša kakor nadaljnje žrtvovanje življenj tako na naši kakor na nasprotnikovi strani. Jugoslavije ne zapuščamo iz sovraštva, temveč iz spoznanja, da je to za naše narodno preživetje in razvoj nujno.
Pogajanja, začeta po sprejetju Brionske deklaracije, sicer potekajo v napetih in negotovih razmerah ter so zelo trda, vendar so nam že na začetku prinesla nekaj izredno pomembnih dosežkov: umikanje enot jugoslovanske armade z ozemlja Republike Slovenije, izpuščanje slovenskih fantov iz enot jugoslovanske armade, odprtje slovenskih letališč idr. Kljub temu in ldjub navzočnosti mednarodnih opazovalcev pa še zmeraj grozi nevarnost spopadov, posebno pa letalskega bombardiranja Slovenije, saj premirje še ni bilo podpisano. Poleg tega zoper nas divja prava propagandna in gospodarska vojna. Zato je dejavnost slovenske politike te dni usmerjena predvsem v spodbujanje tujih vlad, da bi nas po izteku dodatnega trimesečnega roka za pogajanja čim prej priznale kot neodvisno državo, in pa na prebijanje gospodarske blokade, in sicer s preusmerjanjem naše zunanje trgovine na zahodne trge ter z iskanjem tujih posojil.
Slovenci po sveru, posebno po gospodarsko razvitih državah (mednje gotovo spada tudi Kanada) lahko podobno, kakor ste nam učinkovito pomagali pri informiranju tujine o dogajanjih v Sloveniji, pomagate tudi pri posredovanju političnih in gospodarskih stikov s tujino. To posredovanje nam je zelo potrebno, kajti pri tujih partnerjih pogosto naletimo na nezaupanje, ker vedo, da je Slovenija še zmeraj na robu vojnega stanja in da še spada med tako imenovane poslovno riz-ične dežele.
Na vaše današnje srečanje sem prišei predvsem zato, da se vam v imenu vlade Republike Slovenije in seveda v svojem osebnem imenu zahvalim za vašo zvestobo ter za neposredno denarno pomoč, ki ste jo dali in jo še dajete za premagovanje sedanje stiske. V Sloveniji vemo, da denar nikjer na svetu ne leži po cesti, tudi v Kanadi ne, temveč ga je treba trdo zaslužiti in potem pametno porabiti; zato bi vam rad povedal tudi to, da je slovenska vlada ustanovila posebno komisijo, ki bo preudarno in odgovorno odločala o porabi prispele denarne pomoči v skladu z najnujnejšimi potrebami teh dni in tednov.
Dolgoročno pa nam bo najbolj koristila tista pomoč, ki jo lahko ne le kot posamezniki, temveč tudi kot organizirana slovenska skupnost v Kanadi uveljavite z vplivom na kanadsko vlado in poslovne kroge za priznanje Slovenije kot suverene države in za premagovanje nezaupanja pri razvijanju gospodarskega sodelovanja s Slovenijo.
Taka organizirana in usklajena dejavnost vaše skupnosti bi imela blagodejne
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učinke ne samo za Slovenijo, temveč tudi za vašo skupnost samo, saj bi utrdila narodno spravo, praktično že uresničeno prav v zadnjem mesecu, ko ste pri organiziranju pomoči Sloveniji učinkovito in strpno sodelovali različno misleči Slovenci. S skupnim prizadevanjem za svobodno in neodvisno Slovenijo v letu 1991 ste pomagali presegati slovenski razdor, podedovan iz leta 1941 in Še od prej.
Dovolite, da se vam zahvalim za povabilo na to današnje srečanje in da vam za konec preberem še posebno pismo, ki so ga vsem udeležencem srečanja pri Bokonu namenili in ta četrtek (25- jul., op. ur.) podpisali člani najvišjega vodstva Republike Slovenije.
Pismo predstavnikov slovenske vlade, namenjeno udeležencem Slovenskega dneva Prebral dr. Janez Dular na Slovenskem dnevu 28. julija 1991
Drage rojakinje, dragi rojaki!
Vaše današnje srečanje poteka ob koncu nedvomno najbolj dramatičnega meseca v slovenski zgodovini po 2. svetovni vojni. Vemo, da ste tudi Slovenci v Kanadi napeto spremljali dogajanja v stari domovini in ste številni vsaj posredno sodelovali in še želite sodelovati pri tem. Najpomembnejša vrsta sodelovanja je bilo prizadevanje, da bi resnica o Sloveniji in njenih resničnih interesih in namenih prišla v tuji javnost in da bi se nam odprla vrata v družbo priznanih suverenih držav. Besede Slovenija. Slovenci, slovenski so danes tudi po vaši zaslugi znane marsikomu, za katerega je bila naša domovina še do pred kratkim samo nekaka pokrajina tam nekje v Evropi. Tujina že priznava, da smo Slovenci kompleten ter zgodovinsko dozorel narod s svojim jezikom in kulturo. Tujina ve za našo demokratično in politično ureditev in gospodarsko tržno usmeritev. Ve, da nam gre za evropsko integracijo na prostovoljni podlagi, in na avtentičnih interesih vseh udeležencev, nikomur v škodo. Tujina tudi priznava našo pravico do samoodločbe in plebiscitno izražanje volje za osamosvojitev ter izraža občudovanje zaradi odločenosti, preudarnosti in tudi junaštva ljudi, ki so v zadnjem mesecu požrtvovalno in celo z orožjem v roki branili svobodo Slovenije.
Sedaj nas čaka boj za dosego naslednjega cilja - za priznanje Slovenije kot suverene države. Iz dosedanjega ravnanja vas in drugih Slovencev po svetu vemo, da bomo tudi v tem prizadevanju lahko računali na vaše sodelovanje. Neposredni vojaški spopad v Sloveniji nas sicer ni zlomil, je pa povzročil zelo veliko trpljenja in Škode. Ta škoda sedaj še narašča, kajti po ustavitvi ognja se nadaljuje gospo-
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darska vojna, blokiranje finančnih, blagovnih in turističnih tokov ter celo nezakonito plenjenje premoženja slovenskih podjetij v nekaterih jugoslovanskih republikah.
Slovenski državni organi, politične stranke in druge družbene strukture so v tej zgodovinski preizkušnji pokazali dokajšnjo zrelost ter so kljub svojim dokaj različnim programom in interesom organizirane v enotnem in uspešnem odporu zoper napadalce. Veselijo nas poročila o tem, da ste se tudi Slovenci v Kanadi, kljub svojim različnim politično nazorskim, generacijskim in drugim interesom povezali in uskladili pri organiziranju politične in materialne pomoči Sloveniji. Upamo, da bo pozitivna izkušnja te povezanosti učinkovala na nadaljnje ravnanje vseh udeležencev še dolgo po tem, ko bosta neposredna nevarnost in stiska minili. Želimo, da bi v tem duhu izzvenelo tudi letošnje slovensko srečanje pri Boltonu. Zahvaljujemo sevam za že izkazano politično in finančno pomoč in vas prisrčno pozdravljamo.
MILAN KUČAN, predsednik predsedstva Republike Slovenije Dr, FRANCE BUČAR, predsednik skupščine Republike Slovenije
LOJZE PETERLE, predsednik izvršnega sveta Republike Slovenije
Dr. DIMITRIJ RUPEL, minister Republike Slovenije za zunanje zadeve
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Ameriška domovina 93 (33) ■ 7 /a; 11. Cleveland, August 15, 1991.
Zdrava bodi, moja lepa domovina
TORONTO, Ont. - ... v zarjo novega dne stopajoča, iz petinštirideseti težkih let brezpravnega suženjstva tujemu gospodu.
Zavriskaj v nebo, naš fant in praznično krilo si dekle nadeni. Nagelj in rožmarin in roženkravt naj spet zacveto na kmečkih oknih in pod domačo lipo naj počiva slovenska družina ...
Bodi pozdravljena moja dežela. Iz tisoč zvonikov po gričih in dolinah slovenske zemlje naj zvonovi oznanjajo tvojo slavo, tvoj praznik. Preko tisoč let živi naš rod na tej zemlji pod Triglavom; na Jadranu so vrata v njegov dom, s Karavank in prekmurske ravnine gleda v evropsko stran, čez Gorjance sega v roko sosedu Hrvatu.
V zadnjih junijskih dneh, ko stoji sonce najvišje na nebu, ko na Šentjanževo zagore po hribovih kresovi, so naše misli hitele domov v drago domovino v pričakovanju velikih dogodkov. In zgodilo se je ... V večer 25. junija se je sredi Ljubljane dvignila k zvezdam nova zastava samostojne republike Slovenije ... In potem ... Tanki, vojska, strah, razdejanje, porušeni domovi, trpljenje, razočaranja ...
A narod je stal, sklenil roke v molitvi in obrambi. Iz davnih turških časov, iz preteklih petdesetih let zatiranja in žrtev najboljših Slovencev je zbral moč in pogum ter z golim življenjem varoval svojo zemljo.
Kako blizu smo si bili tiste dni. Vsak po svoje smo čutili stisko svojih v domovini. vedeli smo: Domovina potrebuje našo pomoč: duhovno, moralno, materialno. V svobodnem kanadskem svetu ni ovir v tem oziru.
Tako smo že 28. junija z brati Hrvati in Makedonci zborovali pred ontarijskim parlamentom v Torontu in oznanjali dogodke v Sloveniji in na Hrvaškem. Slična zborovanja Slovencev v pomoč demokraciji doma so bila v Londonu, Ontario in v Hamiltonu v nedeljo, 30. junija. V ponedeljek 1. julija je v cerkvi Brezmadežne ob 7.30 zvečer torontski nadškof dr. Alojzij Ambrožič daroval sv. mašo za domovino. Čez dva tisoč ljudi, med njimi tudi Hrvatje, je napolnilo cerkev in dvorišče ob njej. Narodne noše, združeni pevci, ljudsko petje, nova slovenska zastava so dali večeru poseben čar.
Nadškof je govoril o pravici naroda do samoodločbe, ki je nihče ne sme zanikali. Po sv. maši je bil razglašen navoustanovljeni sklad za pomoč Sloveniji. Člani Kandsko-slovenskega kongresa in Slovensko-kanadskega sveta so pobirali podpise k peticiji kanadski vladi za [priznanje republike Slovenije. Od tega dne dalje je v cerkvi Brezmadežne vsak večer sv. maša za domovino.
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Moljož Klernenčič; Deiovonje slovenski!) izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Dne 6. julija smo Slovenci (okrog 1000) ponovno manifestirali pred torontskim parlamentom. S plakati, narodnimi nošami in novimi zastavami smo se vljudno predstavil kanadski javnosti. Časopisi in TV so začeli redno poročati o novi Sloveniji.
Dne 24. julija je Slovenska mladina (Slovenian Youth Council) v Torontu organizirala večerni shod - vigilijo pred torontsko mestno hišo v spomin padlih za domovino. V poletni večer, med moderne mestne stavbe velikega Toronta so hiteli glasovi tisoč Slovencev in oznanjali svetu stisko Slovenije. Petje iMarijinih pesmi in pesem K tebi želim, moj Bog, priložnostne besede č. g. Franca Slobodnika, nagovori mladih (gdč. Zupančič, Mili Kus, Tomaž Podobnik, dr. Tone Dimnik), recitator dr. Tone Kačinik (Prešernova Vrba), pevec Blaž Potočnik (odlomek iz Traviate) so spet predstavili kanadski javnosti značaj vernega kulturnega naroda. Še en prizor iz tega večera nam bo ostal globoko v spominu ... Video o vojni v Sloveniji. Grmeli so topovi, se rušili domovi, nad Ljubljano letali sovražni jekleni ptiči ... Ob razvalinah domače hiše joče mlada mati. Mladi deček se stisne k njej, jo pogleda v žalostni obraz in sprašuje "Kaj je mama?..."
Mama - naša Slovenija, deček - naša mladina doma v Sloveniji in povsod po svetu, kjer živi naš narod, ki razumeva pomen novih časov.
Hvala vam, torontska mladina, za ta nepozabni večer.
Dne 28. julija se je k 32. Slovenskemu dnevu na Slovenskem letovišču v Boltonu zbralo čez dva tisoč ljudi. Letošnje praznovanje je bilo posvečeno najpomembnejšemu dnevu slovenskega naroda - proglasitvi slovenske državne samostojnosti.
V	krasen sončni dan je vihrala vrsta novih zastav. Č. g. Ivan Plazar, župnik pri Brezmadežni, je pri jutranji sv. maši v svojem nagovoru razlagal lastnosti slovenskega človeka (po dr. Trstenjaku). Zadnji dogodki v Sloveniji pa so za skupni cilj - Svobodna Slovenija - združili ljudi različnih prepričanj in nazorov. Daj Bog, da bi nas težki časi naučili strpnosti in pameti.
V	popoldanskem programu, ki ga je pripravil in dan v celoti organiziral kongres skupno s Slovensko-kanadskim svetom ter povezovala Marta Jamnik, je nastopala mladina folklornih skupin Nagelj (Toronto, Ciril Soršak) in Soča (Hamilton, Tone Horvat), zbor Slovenski fantje (Lojze Oražem), otroci STZ (Franc Grmek).
Pozdrave federalne vlade je prinesel poslanec Jesse Flis (Toronto-Parkdale). Po kanadski in slovenski himni, enominutnem molku v spomin padlih žrtev zadnjega spopada, so sledili pozdravi: dr. Peter Klopčič (Slovensko-kanadski svet), dr. Franc Habjan (Kanadsko-slovenski kongres), Tomaž Podobnik (Slovenska mladi-
Dr. Zlatko Verbič predstavi slavnostnega gosta in govornika dr. Janeza Dularja, ministra za Slovence po svetu. Prinesel je pozdrave slovenske vlade, se zahvalil za vso moralno in gmotno pomoč domovini. Prikazal nam je težke čase v domovini,
Razprave in gradivo. ljubiiono. 2002. šl. 40
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v novi državi, ki ji demokratski svet ne da pravičnega priznanja, gospodarske razmere, ki kličejo po nujni rešitvi tudi k Slovencem po svetu.
Zahvalil se je tudi slovenski mladini in slovenskemu informacijskemu centru za odlično poročanje slovenski in kanadski javnosti in Slovencem v Toronui, Hamiltonu in drugod po Ontariu za denarno pomoč (Slovenian Relief Fund) v znesku $250.000.00, ki jo je doslej prejela slovenska vlada.
V sončno nedeljsko popoldne, k prijateljskemu srečanju, k zabavi ob domaČi glasbi v dvorani, k sveži vodi v bazenu, na zeleno trato ob naših poletnih hišicah smo se razšli s toplo mislijo v srcu za narod pod Triglavom, ki hoče svobodno Živeti na svoji zemlji.
Anica Resnik
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Mgtjoz Klemencic: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencevv Konodi zo neodvisno Sloveni^o
Pismo Bakdare McDougall Li-anderju V. Skofu z DNE, 20. avgusta 1991
Secretary of State for External Affairs Canada Canada Secretaire d'Etat aux Affaires exterieures
August 20, 1991
Mr. Leander V. Skof Secretary General Canadian Slovenian Congress 770 Browns Line Toronto, Ontario M8W 3W2
Dear Mr. Skof:
Thank you for your letter of July 3, 1991, regarding your views on the situation in Yugoslavia. You have called on the Canadian government to seek ways to prevent further violence in Yugoslavia and recognize the proclaimed independence of Slovenia.
The Prime Minister and I have made a number of public statements about the situation in Yugoslavia. In these, we have presented the position of the Canadian government. For your further information, I am enclosing a copy of the most recent official statement 1 have made.
I also led the Canadian delegation to the ministerial meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) in Berlin on June 20, where the Yugoslav crisis was addressed. At that meeting, Canada joined with European countries and the United States in calling for a peaceful and negotiated end to the crisis. At the CSCE Senior Officials meeting in Prague on July 3 and 4, Canada and its partners mandated the countries of the European Community (EC) to monitor the implementation of an agreement reached among Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and the Yugoslav federal authorities.
Canada fully endorses the CSCE and EC decisions and has offered to participate in the observer mission if such participation would be useful. We urge the parties involved in the dispute to provide the EC with all necessary support. My officials have met on a number of occasions with the Yugoslav Ambassador to Canada, Ambassador Kapetanovic, and have made clear Canada's concerns about the use of force to try to achieve a solution to the crisis. Our Ambassador in Yugoslavia has made the same concerns clear to the Yugoslav government itself.
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In your letter, you propose that Canada recognize the declaration of Independence by Slovenia. In our view, peaceful political dialogue is more urgently required in Yugoslavia than any action on Canada's part to recognize Slovenia and Croatia as independent sovereign states. Above all, it is urgent that all parties comply with the provisions of the Brioni agreement. Only then can the question of Yugoslavia's future be addressed through peaceful negotiations among all parties concerned.
With regard to the outcome of such negotiations, the Prime Minister indicated on July 4 that Canada would be ready to support any arrangement for a new Yugoslavia that the Yugoslavs themselves arrive at, peacefully and in full respect for democratic principles. This approach is shared by all Group of 7 leaders as set out in the Declaration of the London Summit of July 16.
I hope the information on our position and actions taken thus far will confirm to you Canada's interest in a peaceful, democratic and negotiated outcome to the Yugoslav crisis.
Your sincerely,
Barbara McDougall Enclosure
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Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Pismo Leandkrja V. Škofa Barbari McDougall z dne, 3- septembra 1991
Canadian Slovenian Congress, 770 Browns Line. Toronto. ONM8W3W2 Telephone: (416) 283 4290	Telefax: (416) 255 4626
September 3, 1991
The Honourable Barbara McDougall, Secretary of State for External Affairs, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON. K1A 0A6.
Dear Madame Minister,
On behalf of the Slovenian community represented by the Canadian Slovenian Congress I thank you for taking time from your busy schedule and responding to my letter of July 3, 1991-
By coincidence your reply of August 20, 1991 reached me on August 26, 1991, on the historic day when the Prime Minister and you formally extended recognition to the Baltic states. You both also indicated that a similar diplomatic recognition could be given to Ukraine, subject to the outcome of their independence referendum.
The Slovenian community in Canada together with all freedom loving Canadians are proud of our government which placed Canada in the vanguard of countries formally recognizing the Baltic States and tangibly supporting aspirations of Ukrainians by opening in Kiev a consulate-general and sending there a ministerial delegation.
Slovenians in Canada implore and urge you, Madame Minister, to intervene on our behalf so that the Canadian government will soon give similar assurances and support to the peaceful and democratic Republic of Slovenia, 90 % of whose inhabitants voted in favour of independence during their referendum last December.
Our community strongly disagrees with your departmental spokesman who said that the situation of the Republic of Slovenia differs greatly from that of Baltic states, arguing that Slovenia never was a sovereign state. By this logic it could be argued that slaves were never free, so why should they aspire for freedom. After the First World War many new states were created in Europe, including the Baltic states. At that time Slovenian and Croatian leaders also agreed to join the loose confederation of "Kingdom of Serbs, Croatians and Slovenians" because they were promised that their national identities and rights will be respected and also constitutionally protected. Less than a decade later, however, the Serbian king Alexander suspended the constitution and changed the name of his kingdom into the "Kingdom of Yugoslavia". From that time on it served as a dictatori-
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al vehicle for creation of a greater Serbia. With his imposed dictatorship, neither the Slovenians nor the Croatians wanted any part of this union. After the Second World War, Slovenia and Croatia were forced to remain in the communist Yugoslavia, as a result of the Yalta Agreement.
Both the EU and the US State department have started to realize that ''the leadership of the Serbian republic and the Yugoslav military bear a particular and growing responsibility for the country's tragic descent toward civil war'7. I feel confident that the Canadian government agrees with these observations and expect that you will take more effective steps, than merely rebuking and refuting Ambassador Kapetanovic or having your Canadian Ambassador in Belgrade deliver letters of protest to the Yugoslav government.
Slobodan Milosevic, the leader of Serbian republic and one of the last remaining communist dictators in Europe, will not voluntarily stop expanding Serbian frontiers. lie had already consolidated his position by forcibly annexing two autonomous regions of Kosovo and Vojvodina into his Serbian republic. With his communist ally Montenegro ant with the help of Serbian-dominated Yugoslav army Slobodan Milosevic has successfully prevented the paralyzed federal government from stopping him to achieve his expansionist goals. In June Mr. Milosevic and his allies succeeded first in sending federal troops against Slovenia. Now he does the same against Croatia. Serbian militants have driven Croatian territorial defense forces civilians out of large sections of two Croatian regions, Krajina and Slavonija. Aggressors like Milosevic and his allies can not be trusted and must not be permitted to profit from their bloody conquests. They must be stopped before it is too late. Short of military intervention by the EC or UN, the most promising peaceful solution appears to be the immediate recognition of the Republic of Slovenia by the EC and other democratic governments. This solution is advocated by the President of Slovenia, Mr. Milan Kucan, in his letter to the President of the Council of Ministers of EC, Mr. Hans Van den Broek, which is enclosed.
Both personally and on behalf of Slovenian community I thank you, Madame Minister, for answering my letter and for you direct involvement towards a peaceful, democratic and negotiated outcome that should result in a free Slovenia. Your continuous interest and support in this matter is greatly appreciated by the Slovenian community in Canada hoping that your department will soon extend Canada's formal recognition to the democratic Republic of Slovenia.
Respectfully yours,
Leander V. Skof,
Secretary General
Canadian Slovenian Congress
Encl
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Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Pismo Stana Kranyca Brianu Mulroneyu z dne, 3- septembra 1991
Mr. Scan Kranjc 444 Abruz Blvd. MiSSISSAUGA ON L5A 1N2
3 September 1991
Right Honerable Brian Mulroney Prime Minister of Canada House of Commons OTTAWA ON K1A 0A6
Dear Prime Minister Mulroney:
Canada's recognition and appointment of a diplomatic mission to the Baltic States is without question proper and just. Congratulations! I am very pleased to see Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian people free and independent. Mr. Mulroney, I strongly recommend, urge and encourage you and the Canadian government to recognize Slovenia as s sovereign and independent state. Slovenia is a friend of democracy, human rights and freedom. Slovenia is a friend of Canada, the United States of America and all other countries around the globe who believe in Democracy. It is for these reasons that Slovenia was attacked by the Yugoslavian communist army. The Slovenian people have been abused for over 1,000 years. Decisions were made by others based on what was good for others and not what was just for Slovenians.
As you probably know, last year, Slovenia had a referendum on independence and over 90 % Slovenian people voted in favour of Independence. Now is the time to recognize this beautiful nation, Slovenia, to let Slovenian people be their own masters and to stop communist violence in Yugoslavia. Slovenia has all the right credentials for an independent nation: language, culture, defined borders, democratically elected government, support of Slovenian people in Slovenia, Canada the USA and many other countries and Slovenia will be an economically viable nation.
I am a proud Canadian-Slovenian and like the majority of other Canadian Slovenians I would be thrilled if you, Prime Minister, and Canada would be the first to fulfill the Slovenian dream and justice by recognizing a sovereign and independent Slovenia. I know that the USA, the European community, and other
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countries wiJl follow. Your response will be greatly and appreciated. Wishing you, your family, Canada and independent Slovenija much success.
Thank you.
Stan Kranyc Vice President, Canadian Slovenian Congress President, All Slovenian Committee - ONT Director, Canadian Slovenian Chamber of Commerce
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Moljož Klernenčič; Deiovonje slovenski!) izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
plsmo I.handerja V. Skofa Brianu Mulroneyu z dne, 21. septiimura 1991
Canadian Slovenian Congress. 770 Browns line. Toronto. ON M8W1W2 Telephone: (416) 283 4290	Telefax: (416) 255 4626
September 21, 1991.
The Right Honerable Brian Mulroney,
Prime Minister of Canada,
House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario k1a 0a6
Dear Prime Minister:
This is further to my letter sent to your office on July />, 1991, when the Yugoslav federal army was waging brutal war against the peaceful, democratic Republic of Slovenia.
The same army - heavily armed with hundreds of tanks, armoured vehicles, fighter bombers, helicopter gunships and heavy artillery - has now accelerated brutal aggression against Croatia, whose rural inhabitants in some areas are arming themselves with pitchforks molotov cocktails and hunting rifles, expecting a major onslaught.
The nominal commander of the Yugoslav army and the leader of the moribund collective federal presidency, Mr. Stipe Mesic, failed to make his defense minister (and the signatory to the latest failed ceasefire), gen. Veljko Kadijevic, obey his order that all military movements cease. In desperation Mr. Mesic appealed to all soldiers ro desert and not participate in this illegal military coup. His appeal, however, is unlikely to be heard, let alone obeyed, because the army is controlled by its Serbian-dominated officer corps.
Presently, almost half of Croatia has been under siege or occupied by the federal army or Serbian militants. Their goal is to fulfil] the dreams of a Greater Serbia promoted by a hardline communist, Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic. As proven by this military coup, Mr. Milosevic successfully assembled all the power and allies he needed to prevent the paralyzed federal government from averting his barbaric expansionism. Aggressors like Mr. Milosevic with his military and political allies must be stopped and prevented from capitalizing on their bloody conquests, before it is too late.
T have conveyed in my recent reply to the Honourable Barbara McDougall that the "... Slovenian community in Canada ... are very proud of our government which placed Canada in the vanguard of countries formally recognizing the Baltic states and tangibly supporting aspirations of Ukrainians ...".
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Slovenians in Canada, Mr. Prime Minister, also salute your leadership and thank you for your courage in being first to request formally a meeting of the UN Security Council and to have the UN send a peacekeeping force to Yugoslavia, Your efforts in bringing the peace to the region is greatly appreciated by all Slovenians.
Your humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts, Mr. Prime Minister, will be greatly accelerated and enhanced by creating immediately Canada's diplomatic recognition to the Republic of Slovenia. By being the first to recognize Slovenia's democratically-elected government you will encourage other western governments, especially the EC to follow soon and grant diplomatic recognition. At the same time it will send the signal to all aggressors, existing and potential, that they will not be allowed to profit from their bloody conquests and thus stop the bloodbath on Yugoslav soil
Slovenia has already achieved the essential elements of independent statehood and is ready trough negotiations and gradual assumptions of state functions to prove that it is a reliable partner in international relations. The independence of Slovenia will add to the stability in this part of Europe and will serve as a model for the gradual adjustement of the region into the processes of European and global economic and political integration. Slovenia does not seek independence at the expense of the disintegration of Yugoslavia. Slovenia is nationally homogeneous and is already controlling its own territory. It can serve as an intermediate zone bridging Western Europe and the Balkan region and prepared to reach agreements with others by taking into account their interests. Mr. Prime Minister, all Slovenians wish you, and pray for, a speedy and successful implementation of your peace efforts in the region and look forward to your early diplomatic recognition of the Republic of Slovenia.
Respectfully yours,
Leander V. Skof, Secretary General Canadian Slovenian Congress
cc The Honourable Barbara McDougall Secretary of State for External Affairs
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Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Pismo Lkandi-rja V. Skofa Barbari McDougall z dne, 27. septembra 1991
Canadian Slovenian Congress. 770 Browns Line. Toronto. ONM8W HW2 Telephone: (416) 283 4290	Telefax: (416) 255 4626
September 27, 1991
The Honourable Barbara McDougall, Secretary of State for External Affairs, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON. K1A 0A6.
Dear Madame Minister,
The Slovenian community in Canada is applauding you again for your conviction by criticizing the restrictive UN peacekeeping rules and advocating the proactive role for the UN during your maiden speech to the General Assembly. You have correctly assessed that the progressive collapse of the Yugoslav federal authority will "endanger peace and security in neighbouring countries". Consequently your recommendation to expand the UN mandate and your pledge of Canadian participation in any peacekeeping force (which you have aptly identified as the "Canadian invention") are commendable and should help bring peace to the region. In our opinion, however, your peace initiative, Madame Minister, will be even more effective if supplemented by your diplomatic recognition of the ethnically homogeneous Republic of Slovenia. Its pluralistic and democratically elected government can act as an intermediary for a peaceful separation of any other Yugoslav republic seeking independence. Any attempt to restore the old Yugoslavia is futile because of "a pent-up storm that has been brewing for generations ... and the increasing capactiy of ethnic groups in Yugoslavia to dig themselves in deeper. That may argue for more international intervention than less."
Rczprove in grndivo. l.|ubfiona. 2002, si. 40____________16)
Your situation analysis, as quoted, Madame Minisrer, is excellent. Slovenians in Canada and abroad support you in your determination for the UN intervention in order to end the conflict and stop the bloodshed in the Yugoslav territory, that will eventually result in the orderly and peaceful separation of the Republics of Slovenia and Croatia.
Respectfully yours,
Leander V. Skof, Secretary General Canadian Slovenian Congress
End.: Letters from the President and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia to the President of the EC.
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Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Ameriška domovina 93 (40) ; 11. Cleveland, October 3, 1991-
priloga: kanadska domovina
Pomoč žrtvam vojne v Sloveniji
Odbor za slovenski sklad (Slovenian Relief Fund) v Kanadi nam je poslal seznam darovalcev v ta sklad, sicer brez vsakega spremnega teksta. Imena darovalcev in vsote objavljamo na tej strani, kar jih bo ostalo, bomo objavili prihodnjič.
30,00	Acdal Edward	700,00	Bartol Zlata
500,00	Adamič Anton	300,00	Bartol Z.
500,00	Adamič John	50,00	Basic Steve & Family
150,00	Ambrozic Helga	1.000,00	Baškovič Teresa & Jerko
100,00	Andriano johna	100,00	Baudaz Antonia
500,00	Annonymous	200,00	Bavdek Anton
100,00	Annonymous	150,00	BenecJoe
200,00	Annonymous	300,00	Benko Victor
300,00	Annonymous	100,00	Bregant Andrew
1.000,00	Antolin Ivan	50,00	Bergoc Frank
100,00	Antolin Joseph & Albina	200,00	Bergoc Josephine
100,00	Antolin Paul & Cvetka	200,00	Bergoc Kristina
500,00	Antolin Stefan & Francka	100,00	Bergoc Lillian
200,00	Augustinovic Andrej	200,00	Berkopec George
200,00	Avsec Bogo	500,00	Berkopec Joe
2.000,00	Avsenik Joseph	500,00	Bernik John
1.000,00	Azman Gabrial	350,00	Bevc Nezka
3.000,00	B & R Machine	300,00	Beznik Helen
150,00	Babic Louis	20,00	Bobnar Mike
100,00	Babic Rudolf	500,00	Bogovic M. - Spring
500,00	Bajec Joze		Hotel
50,00	Bajec Majda	1.500,00	Boh Antonia
150,00	Balazic Stefan	500,00	Bohnec Steve
200,00	Balkovec Frank	2.000,00	Boje Frank & Magda
120,00	Balkovec Mary	30,00	Bolegon Mary
250,00	Bancic Janez	500,00	Bolton Inn
100,00	Barbarie Paula	100,00	Brajea Vladimir S.
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200,00	Bra čina Branka
100,00	Bracina Branka
200,00	Bratovz Borut
1.100,00	Breznik Konrad
200,00	Bric Stanko & Milka
1.000,00	Brinovcar Ivan
50,00	Brousek Joseph PHD
1.500,00	Brozovic Franc
100,00	Brunsek Zinka
50,00	Bubas Ivo
1.000,00	Bubas Janez
20,00	Bubnich Anton
500,00	Bukovec Dane
100,00	CadezJanko
10,00	Caprand Rose
200,00	Cavdek Ivan & Stefica
100,00	Celar Ivan
100,00	Cemas Barbara
200,00	Cemas Joseph
50,00	Cemas Jože & Bernarda
100,00	Cesar Joe
100,00	Cesnik Joseph
50,00	Cesnik Jože
50,00	Cestnik Janez
500,00	Cestnik John & Francka
1.000,00	Cetinski Charles
50,00	Chipping Irene
8.000,00	Cimerman Andrew
100.00	Cimpric Frank
25,00	Clubine Dave
100,00	Colnaric Mr. & Mrs
20,00	Conlon Gerald
1.000,00	Cujes Rudolf Dr.
100,00	Cule Ante
100,00	Cul i g Blaz & Olga
40,00	Cupic Nikola
200,00	Cuppiccio Alessandro &
	Alojzija
100,00	Curic Petar
1.000,00	CYVL Župnije
	Brezmadezne
100,00	C ve k Lucia
500,00	CWL Župnije Marije
	Pomagaj
200,00	Dejak Ignac & Maria
100,00	Dejak Louis
30,00	Del Duca Ben
100,00	Delost Andreja & Anton
300,00	Demšar Janko
20,00	Demšar Marry Ann
500,00	Demshar Helen Dr.
100,00	Demshar Pauline
250,00	Demshar Sylva
5.000,00	Dermastja Joseph
200,00	Dicar Louis
500,00	Diceko Veronika
100,00	Dodic Mary
100,00	Dolenc Lloyd & Mary
100,00	Doma Ignac
400,00	Doma Joe
250,00	Donko Ferdinand
1.000,00	Dragoret Marjan
200,00	Erzar Peter
100,00	Erzen Stefka
2.000,00	Etobicoke Sheet Metal
1.000,00	F & J Tool Works Ltd
	(F GaluO
1.000,00	F &J. ToolWorks
	(Poj nie Joe)
300,00	Fabina Mihael & Marija
20,00	Fanjich Alfonz
300,00	Farsang Ignac
100,00	Ferencak Frank
100,00	Ferencak Louis & Dragica
500,00	Fer ko Tony
250,00	Ferko Victor
5.000,00	Ferkul Brothers Ltd.
500,00	Ferkul Stane & Andrej
100,00	Ferkulj Robert &
	Jacqueline
1.200,00	Ferletic Milan & Darinka
20,00	Findlay Karla & Condice
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10,00	Flegar Dave	1.000..00
200,00	Flue Frank & Slavka	100,00
20,00	Fortuna Nace	200,00
200,00	Fosnarich Joseph	300,00
200,00	Franc Anton	100,00
22,00	Franc Emilija	22,50
50,00	Frank Ivan	500,00
1.000,00	Kolaric Franz	
500,00	Gaberscek Marica & Kari	1.000,00
100,00	Gabor Ivan	50,00
120,00	Gamze Frank	150,00
100,00	Gasser Dionys	300,00
200,00	Gimpelj Frank	300,00
2.000,00	Glivar Frank	200,00
100,00	Godina William &	100,00
	Stanislava	500,00
150,00	Golden Roger	87,00
10,00	Goodale Maryan	300,00
100,00	Goricanec Rozalija	1.000,00
500,00	Gorisek Franc	100,00
100,00	Gorjup Anton	1.000,00
50,00	Gorjup Donna	100,00
100,00	Gormek Frank	250,00
45,00	Gorsek Gregor	300,00
500,00	Graste Anton	100,00
100,00	Grasic Frank	1.000,00
1.000,00	Grcar Joe & Mary	100,00
100,00	Grdadolnik Janez	1.000,00
300,00	Grdoin Anthony	300,00
200,00	Gregorčič Anna	100,00
100,00	Grenc Jože	150,00
200,00	Grguras Matija	150,00
1.280,00	Grilec Martin &	100,00
	Krivec Ivan	100,00
200,00	Grisani Guida	100,00
100,00	Grilj Victor	30,00
500,00	Grm Stane	500,00
200,00	Grosl Vida	500,00
100,00	G rožnik Edward	100,00
300,00	G rožnik Joseph	100,00
1.000,00	Gruntar Alojzij	40,00
Gruntar Minka Gruskovnjak Frank Gruskovnjak Joe Gruskovnjak Rezina Gutkovski Zenon Gyergyek Antony Gyorkos Joseph & Valburga Fabjan Frank Hajdinjak Teresa Halas Teresa Hari Emil Hari Karl Huzar Drago Herrera Marija Hočevar Frank Hočevar Janez Hočevar Janez Hočevar John Horvat Ignac Hrastnik Zvone Hren Jože
Hribar Anna & Frank
Hull Lee & Irene
Hull Rudolf
Humar Stefan
Ifko Anton
Intihar Frank
jablonski Jan & Mariam
JagerJoseph
Jaklič Jože
Jaklič Mary & Milan
Jaklič Zdenka
Jakopin Leo
Jakovcic C. Dr.
Jaksa Jože Matilda
Jamnisek Mr. & Mrs. Ivan
Jan Frank
Jankovic Stan
Jelene Toni
Jenko Zdravko
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300,00	JenskovecJoe
100,00	Jeram Stan
250,00	Jeric Jože & Terezija
1.000,00	Just Aluminium &
	Glass Ltd.
1.000,00	Just in Time Toole &
	Die Inc.
500,00	J. D. Furniture
1.000,00	Kacnik Anton Dr.
100,00	Kaluža Ivan
100,00	Kastelic Ed & Susan
1.000,00	Kastelic Frank & Mary
200,00	Kastelic Frank
150,00	Kastelic Ignac
300,00	Kastelic Janko
500,00	Kastelic John
200,00	Kastelic John
5.000,00	Kastelic Jože
200,00	Kastelic Neza
2.000,00	Kavcic Construction Co.
50,00	Kavcic Jože
400,00	Kavcic Valdi
40,00	Keber Frank
20,00	Kebe-Prosen Milka
50,00	Kelenc Stefan
500,00	Kikelj Boris
100,00	Klanfer Pepca
250,00	KJemencic Dušan
50,00	Kleslin Ivan
500,00	Klopcic Mr & M rs Peter
200,00	Knezaurek Oscar
250,00	Knight Zorana
100,00	Kobe Angela
250,00	Kociancic Mrs. E.
4.000,00	Kocjancic Lojze & Cvetka
500,00	Kodric Andrej
500,00	Kodric Jože
1.000,00	Kolenc Joseph
400,00	Kolenc Ludvik
125,00	Kolenko Joe
50,00	Kolenko Stefan
100,00	Koller Alfred - Aikol
	Mechanical Ltd.
300,00	Komavli Boris
500,00	Končan Marija
200,00	Končan Mr. & Mrs.
1.000,00	Končan Valentin
500,00	KoncutJohn
100,00	Kopic Majda
100,00	Koren Lojze
100,00	Koren Rudi
100,00	Koren Rudi
400,00	Koren & Poludnik
200,00	Košar Frank
1.000,00	Kosin Rudi
20,00	Košir Frank
200,00	Košir Jakob
25,00	Košir Janez & Cenka
100,00	Košir Katarina
400,00	Kostelic Ivan
500,00	Kotnik-Zarytsky Francka
200,00	Kotnjek Alojz
100,00	Kotnjek Stefan
1.000,00	Kožar Branko & Marija
100,00	Koželj Alexander
100,00	Koželj Jože
250,00	Kraje Elizabeta
200,00	Kranjc Jože
200,00	Kralj Lojska Mrs
500,00	Kramar Electric Ltd.
500,00	Kramar Peter
10,00	Kramolc Ted
100,00	Kranjc Anton
100,00	Kranjc Jožef
1.000,00	Kranjc Stane
50,00	Krcmar Mr. & Mrs.
10.000,00	Krek John E. Credit
	Union
100,00	Kreze Frank & Maria
250,00	Kreze Stan & Justina
40,00	Krizman Zofi
100,00	Krmac Jordan
166
Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
100,00	Kromar Kari	50,00
200,00	Krosel Z.	1.000,00
1.000,00	Kuk Dr. Augustin & Maria	200,00
200,00	KukJohn	200,00
200,00	Kuk Mark	1.000,00
100,00	Kumprey Alfons	500,00
200,00	Kuntasic F.	100,00
400,00	Kure Jože	100,00
500,00	Kure Peter & Frančiška	100,00
50,00	Kus Martina	20,00
200,00	Kus Mili	20,00
1.100,00	Kus Rudi	100,00
100,00	Kus Rudy & Lydia	300,00
200,00	KusarJanez	100,00
100,00	Kuzma Anton & Katica	40,00
100,00	Kuzmic Josef	500,00
500,00	Kveder Pavle	200,00
50,00	Laki Stefan	250,00
100,00	Lang Terezija	200,00
300,00	Laplante Carol & Kevin	300,00
300,00	Lavrisa Mary	100,00
1.000,00	Lebar Mr. & Mrs.	500,00
100,00	Leben Antonia Miss.	100,00
20,00	Lenarčič Frances	300,00
50,00	Lenart Martina	
400,00	Lerher Dragica	200,00
300,00	Lesar Ciril	50,00
500,00	Lesar Jože	1.000,00
250,00	Leasr Tony & Karolina	100,00
300,00	Lesica Alojz	100,00
100,00	Leskovec Božidar	35,00
135,00	Letonja Franc Rev.	10,00
300,00	Levstek Ivan & Štefka	500,00
100,00	Levstik Agnes	350,00
300,00	Levstik Slavica	500,00
50,00	Likon Frances	100,00
275,00	Liumicic Stanko	1.000,00
100,00	Lovrencec Jože & Emilia	500,00
500,00	Lovrin Darko	500,00
100,00	Lukac Darinka & Jože	500,00
100,00	Luzar Brigita	500,00
Luzar Frank Mac Automotive Co. Magdic Joe Magdic Victor Marenric Ivan Marijine sestre Marn Ivan Marolt Maria Martineau Andre Marto Lisa Masseratto Richard Matasic Barbara Mate Frank Mavec Joe Mavec Jožefa Merhar Karla Mes Koloman Mešiček Frank Mevlia Miran Mevlia Mr. & M rs. Mihelcic Neza Mihelic Rudi Miklavcic Florjan Ana Miklavcic Tomislav & Marija
Milardovic Stanko Milavec Rajko Milavec Rudolf Miketic Ivan & Marija Mlakar Maria Mlakar Minka & Božo Mleczko Halina Moleč Marko & Štefanija Movrin Janez Mozetič Alfonz Ljudmila Mozetič Antonia & Vojan Možic Frank Muhic Maria Muhic Mr. & Mrs. Mycountry Delocatessen Napast Stanislav
Razprave in gradivo. Ljubljano, 2002. šl. 40
167
200,00	Nedelko Ivan & Ana
300,00	Nedelko Martin & Regina
20,00	Nemanic Anton
50,00	Nguyen Mina
100,00	Nosan Greg & Lydia
500,00	Nosan Paul & Josephine
100,00	Novak Bogomir
250,00	Novak E.
500,00	Novak Paul
(nadaljevanje in konec prihodnjič)
168
Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Ameriška domovina 93 (41): 11. Clcveland, October 10, 1991 -
priloga: kanadska domovina
Pomoč žrtvam vojne v Sloveniji (NADALJEVANJE IN KONEC)
100,00	Novak Peter	100,00	Petrovcic Lojze
1.000,00	Novak Peter & Erna	300,00	Pikovnik Edward &
100,00	Obrol George		Ivanka
20,00	Obrol Jurca	20,00	Pili h Ana
300,00	Oman Ciril & Kristina	150,00	Pintaric J. Mr & Mrs
250,00	Opara Joseph	500,00	Pintaric Kari
200,00	Opeka Ljudmila	500,00	Pinter Frank & Ljudmila
500,00	OpresnilcJ & A	250,00	Pironet - Knight Zorana
200,00	Orlow George & Ana	554,00	Planica Hunting &
20,00	Osde Florjan		Fishing Club
1.000,00	Osredkar Frank & Mara	1.000,00	Plantar Brothers
1.000,00	Ozimek Industries Inc.	1.000,00	Plazar Ivan Rev.
200,00	Pahulje Mr. & M rs. J.	500,00	Plesko Irena
500,00	Pajkovic Stanko & Olga	500,00	Plohi Janez
20,00	Pangos Roman	300,00	Podobnik Mr. &
500,00	Papa Franc		Mrs. Anton
100,00	Papa Ivan	5.000,00	Pogača r Emma & Joseph
200,00	PapaJoseph	100,00	Pohl Joseph
210,00	Papež Anton	300,00	Polajnar Andrej
50,00	Pavcnik Konrad	50,00	Polenek Slavko
100,00	Pavkovic Pasko	300,00	Ponikvar Louis
200,00	Pavlich Mr. &	200,00	Popit Mr. & Mrs. T.
	M rs. Stephen	500,00	Por Joseph & Maria
1.000,00	Pavlin Marjan	100,00	Por Joe Tarok
390,00	Pavlin Peter	500,00	Porovne Franc Dr.
100,00	Pel car Frank	200,00	Potočnik Blaz
50,00	Pankarski Peter	200,00	Potočnik Sonja
500,00	Pepevnik F. Dr. & Mrs.	200,00	Predovich Janko
15,00	Peric Stanislava	1.000,00	Pugelj Srečko Dr.
50,00	Perko Rudi	200,00	Premru Bernarda
200,00	Perovsek Frank	250,00	Prezelj John
1.000,00	Pe temelj Mr. & Mrs.	200,00	Prezelj Ciril
500,00	Petkovsec Joseph	25,00	P rosen Marko
50,00	Petric Louis	500,00	Prsa Joe
200,00	Petric Mr. & Mrs. Stane	150,00	Prša Joe & Katharine
Razprave in gradivo. Ljubljano, 2002. šl. 40
169
228,00	Prsa Josef
500,00	Prsa Stefan & Teresija
300,00	Prsa Steve
500,00	Psansy Prime Tri
50,00	Puselj F.
500,00	Racic Vincenc Mr. & Mrs.
200,00	Raduha Fran & Elizabeta
200,00	Raduha Frank
30,00	Raquel Abraham
10,00	Ratkovic Zelimir
300,00	Ray Steve
250,00	Remic Anthony
100,00	Rendulich Katarina
100,00	Resnik Rudi
300,00	Retej Alojz
200,00	Rezek Anton
1.000,00	RezekJoe
100,00	Rig le r Lojze
1.000,00	Rihar Frank & Stephanie
200,00	Rocki Milan
100,00	Rogina Victoria & Louis
100,00	Roj c Joe
500,00	Ropret Izidor
500,00	Rus Frank
500,00	Sagadin Max
1.000,00	Sajnovic Stanko & Jožica
200,00	Salajko Branko
2.000,00	Salesian Fathers
10,00	Saudade Jose
200,00	Scanion Daniel
200,00	Sečnik S.
200,00	Sedej Matija
1.000,00	Sega Anka
40,00	Sagade Mary Ann
130,00	Seijak Tomaž
1.000,00	Seijak Tone
500,00	Semlak Tony -
	Savina Kitchen
1.000,00	Semrov Mr. & Mrs.
1.000,00	Senica John
100,00	Sercelj Anna
5,00	Shettell Ron
100,00	Shushtarich John
500,00	Sipek Joe & Vera
200,00	Skaricic Anne
100,00	Skerlj Frank
250,00	Skof Leander
5,00	Skrak Branko
100,00	Skrlj Ivan
35,00	Skrlj Pavla
500,00	Skrt Stanley
500,00	Skubic Anton & Luise
500,00	Skulj Joze
5.000,00	Slobodnik Doreen &
	Joseph
500,00	Slobodnik Ivan
100,00	Slobodnik Stan
100,00	Slobodnik Stephanie
1.000,00	Slokar Emil Diammond
	Art Jewellerey
10.000,00	Slovenia Parishes
	Credit Un.
500,00	Slovenska Igralska
	Skupina
3.000,00	Slovensko Letovišče
	Bolton
100,00	Smerdelj Frančiška
25,00	Solum Lorna
500,00	Sorsak Mr. & Mrs. Ciril
250,00	Sostone Frank & Anna
300,00	Sparar Emma
250,00	Sparovec Joze
500,00	Spes Ciril
100,00	Spiler Joseph
100,00	Spiler Miran & Helen
30,00	Srebernic Raphael
200,00	Srečko rev.
500,00	Srlj Adolf
300,00	Stadler Franc
100,00	Stajan Alojz
1.000,00	Stajan Bili
2.000,00	Stajan Ludvik
170
Moljož Klernendč: Delovonje slovenskih izseljencev v Konodi za neodvisno Slovenijo
2.225,00	Stajan Mike
1.250,00	Stajan Mike & Nada
500,00	Stanann Plumbing &
	Heating Ltd.
200,00	Stanko Carpentry
	(Josef Stanko)
100,00	Stariha Branko
100,00	Steblaj Slavko
100,00	Stefanic Frank
500,00	Stefanic Kathy & Milan
100,00	Sterle Martin & Kristina
700,00	Sterlic Andrej
200,00	Sterman Stanislav
150,00	Stipanic Aibin
800,00	Stražar Frank
300,00	Strazisar Maria
500,00	Stryco Wire Products Ltd.
100,00	Sturm Stanely
50,00	Sturm Stanley
10.000,00	St. Gregory's Church
1.000,00	St. Joseph Press
100,00	Suhadolc Anton
2.000,00	Superior Mobile
1.000,00	Sutej Joe
500,00	Svetina Louis
500,00	S.I.L. Plastic Sales
200,00	Tchi John
100,00	Testen Frank
100,00	Tibout Stefan
100,00	Tompa Ivan
100,00	Tompa Joze & Verona
100,00	Tomsic Dora
100,00	Tomsic Vicor
1.000,00	Top Hat Cleaners
500,00	Tratnik Alojz
50,00	Tratnik Ivanka
1.000,00	Tratnik John
500,00	Tratnik Mike
500,00	Trcek Pavla
1.000,00	Try Hard Industrial
	Supply Co.
2.000,00	Turk Franc Rev.
	(St. Patrick's Church)
3-000,00	Turk Francis Rev.
300,00	Hi rkJoze
1.000,00	Udovic Frank
30,00	Udovic Severin
5.000,00	Ugovsek Stane
500,00	Ulehia Boris & Carmen
250,00	Urbancic Ignac & Maria
100,00	U.rsic Carlos
5.000,00	Valentic M.
500,00	Vegelj Ivan & Josephine
500,00	Vegelj Stanko
1.000,00	Verbic Zlatko Dr.
200,00	Veselicjohn
100,00	Vicic Frank
3.000,00	Vidmar Andy
10,00	Vincec Ann Mary
150,00	Vincec Joe & Vera
500,00	Vincec Tony & Sofija
1.000,00	Vipavec Carl & Ivanka
1.000,00	Vlahovic Frank
100,00	Volcansek Karl
10.000,00	Vrčkov ni k Milan
3.000,00	Vrhovsek Frank
100,00	Vrstovsek Stane
250,00	Vucajnik Michael &
	Ljudmila
100,00	Vucajnik Michael &
	Ljudmila
150,00	Vucajnk Mr. & Mrs.
100,00	Vuksanic Anthony Rev.
200,00	Vuksanic Ivanka
200,00	Weber Martin
500,06	Weld flow Metal
	Products Ltd.
100,00	Wlahovic Mara
200,00	Wright Ivana
200,00	Zabjak Francka Mrs.
25,00	Zadel Stanley
150,00	Zadravec Frank
Razprave in gradivo. Ljubljano, 2002. šl. 40
171
500,00	Žagar Maxa
1.000,00	Žagar Victor
200,00	Žagar Žagar
500,00	Zaktajsek Mrs I.
1.300,00	Zakrajsek Roman
2.500,00	Zakrajsek Victor
100,00	Zaletel Mr. & Mrs. A. T.
200,00	Zamida Joe & Ann
600,00	Zbogar Robert
100,00	Zejn Marjan
250,00	Zelko Frank
100,00	Zenko Ludvik
5-000,00	Zenkovich Victor
2.000,00	Ziernfeld R.
980,00	Zigante Družina
50,00	Zigon Ivan
1.000,00	Zilavec Rudolf
50,00	Žilo ve c Ernest
500,00	Živec Stan
250,00	Zizek Alojz
2.000,00	ZoldosJ&A
100,00	Zonta Frank
200,00	Zorko Alojz
200,00	Zrnec Tone Rev.
50,00	Zupan Frank
40,00	Zupan Joe
132,76	Zupančič Alojz
1.000,00	Zupančič Ivan Green Road Developments
200,00	Zupančič Lojze
60,00	Zupančič Louis
250,00	Zupančič Tone
8.000,00	Župnija Brezmadezne -New Toronto
100,00	Zurbi Konrad
500,00	Zvanjohn
329121,32 Skupno 524,91 Povprečno
172
Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Pismo Leanderja V. Skopa Barbari McDougall z dne, 4. oktobra 1991
Canadian Slovenian Congress. 770Browns Line. Toronto. ONM8W3W2 Telephone: (416) 283 4290	Telefax: (416) 255 4626
October 4, 1991
The Honourable Barbara McDougall, Secretary of State for External Affairs, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont. K1A OA6.
Dear Madame Minister,
Let me congratulate you again, Madame Minister, for your firm stand against the brutal military coup in Haiti.
I feel confident that you will condemn with equal determination the yesterday's coup of the Yugoslav Army. At yesterday's session of the Yugoslav collective presidency, attended by only four members from Serbia and Montenegro, together with the highest representatives of the Yugoslav army - but without any representation from democratically elected republics of Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosna and Hercegovina - it was unilaterally decided to take over the federal military command. The member of the Collective Presidency from Slovenia, Dr. Janez Drnovsek, was declared to have no right to act as the highest in command of the Army. To legitimize this unconstitutional and illegal military coup orchestrated by the Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic, this junta used the excuse that Yugoslavia is in a state of war. The recent Montenegrin attack on Dubrovnik from the north and the federal navy from the south was just another deliberate act of aggression - against this historic city without any strategic value - in order to fabricate and accelerate such a state of war.
With the end of the moratorium negotiated in Brioni for October 7, 1991, Slovenia is very concerned about its safety. It is becoming clear that Serbia will not so easily let go its best "milking cow". The mobilization of Serbian "volunteers" speaks for itself and it is uncertain whether che Yugoslav army will stop on the Slovenian/Croatian border after it will subdue Croatia. The latest signals from Belgrade speak of the contrary.
Razprove in Qfadivo. Ljubljana, 2002. st. ¿0
173
Madame Minister, Slovenians in Canada count on your firm support for democratic rights and hope for your imminent diplomatic recognition of the Republic of Slovenia.
Respectfully yours,
Leander V. Skof, Secretary General Canadian Slovenian Congress
Encl.: Circular to the member Ministers of Exterior of the ECSC
174
Matjaž Klemenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izsriiiencev v Konodi za neodvisno Slovenijo
PlSMO KEITHA MILESA" PREMIERU ROBERTf MUGABEJU Z DNE, 17. OKTOBRA 1991
REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA Representative Office in the United Kingdom Room 7, 5th Floor Morley House, 314/322 Regent Street London W1R5AB Telephone: 071-436 0676. Fax: 071-4369450.
H.E. THE PRESIDENT REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE Mr. Robert Mugabe
Chairman: Commonwealth Conference Your Excellency,
We seek your permission to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Slovene peoples resident within Britain, Canada, and Australia, and also on behalf of their children born into these nationalities but still tanking great pride in the land of their forefathers, to make a statement to the assembled Heads of State and Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers to whom you are the gracious host at the Commonwealth Conference.
We accept that this issue is not in any way central to the purposes of the Conference, and therefore crave your indulgence as Chairman, and defer to your wisdom in the manner of permitting this issue to be raised within or alongside your set agenda.
We seek to draw the attention, if only fleetingly, to the situation of Slovenia within Europe only because it represents issues upon which the commonwealth, with its demonstrable support for independence and freedoms for its various peoples, has a valuable contribution to make through the expression of its collective opinion. Britain alone, of the Commonwealth nations, is involved by geography and its EC membership, but the wider world is affected also by any threat of obstacle to freedom, democracy, and human rights as agreed by all nations. The statement we would like to issue, with your gracious permission, follows on the next page.
■k k -k
' Keiih Miles je nngleski zgodovinar. ki je lain 1991 pomagal Slovencem v Angliji forniulirau navedeno pismo, (ur.)
17 October 1991
Rozprovp in grodivo, !.|ubljono. 2002, si. 40
175
May we offer our most humble appreciation of any consideration you might be able to give to our request in this regard, and accompany that with our best wishes for Your Excellency, and the Republic of Zimbabwe, in hosting this prestigious conference.
Respectfully yours,
On behalf of the Slovenian Information Centre, London, UK; The Slovenian Information Centre and Canadian Slovenian Congress, Ontario, Canada;
The Slovene Information Centre, Sydney, Australia.
176
Moljaž Klemenčič; Delovonie slovenskih izseljencev v Kanodi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Pismo, ki gaje za potrebe Republic of Slovenia, Representative Office in the United Kingdom napisal Keith Miles premieru "The Commonwealth Nations", katerega je dne, 18. oktobra 1991 po faxu poslala leanderju škofu in marku
Brezniku
1991-10-08 10:23 SrO/SIO London 071 436 9450 P.01
REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA Representative Office in the United Kingdom Room 7,5th Floor Morley House, 314/322 Regent Street London W1R5AB Telephone: 071-436 0676. Fax: 071-4369450.
Date/Darum: 18. 10. 91 FAX INFORMATION SHEET - TELEFAX SPOROCILO
TO/ZA: LEANDER SKOF/MARK BREZNIK
FAX NO/ST: 010-1-416-253-5899/010-61-2-550-1378
COMPANY/DEPT/NASLOV:
FROM/OD:
STRANI/SHEETS (INC. THIS SHEET/VKLJUCNO S TEM): 2
NB if you do not receive all sheets or any are unclear please advise me / če niste prejeli vseh strani ali so nečitljive, me obvestite.
MESSAGE/SPOROČILO
Za informacijo
Lep pozdrau
Keith
Rozprave in grndiTO, Ljubljono, 2002. si. 40
177
1991-10-08 10:23 SIO/SIO London 071 436 9450 P.02
REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA Representative Office in the United Kingdom Room 7, 5th Floor Morley House, 314/322 Regent Street London W1R5AB Telephone: 07-436 0676. Fax: 071-4369450
To the Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Ministers, The Commonwealth Nations.
Your Excellencies and Right Honourable Government Ministers.
We representing the peoples of Slovene birth or descendancy, naturalised or born into British, Canadian or Australian nationality, wish to commend to you the rights of the Slovene nation within the Yugoslav region as being both constitutionally established and appropriate for an expression of your support to be made in recognition of their validity.
Slovenia has stated its claim for self-determination, based upon its full constitutional authority to do so under the fundamental principles of the 1974 Constitution of the Federative Republics of Yugoslavia, and the supporting principles agreed internationally in the Helsinki Accord, to which Yugoslavia was a signatory.
By an open and free democratic process, the electorate of Slovenia gave an overwhelming vote in favour of self-determination for the Republic of Slovenia, and the elected government has put this electoral wish, expressed by plebiscite, into effect by declaring the Republic to be sovereignly independent, and this has been ratified within parliament.
Slovenia now seeks only international recognition of her declared and enacted independence.
Slovenia has achieved the essential elements of independent statehood, and is ready trough negotiations and assumptions of state functions to prove itself a reliable and stabile partner to all other nations and authorities in international relations.
The Republic of Slovenia will enhance the stability in a complex region of Europe, and will bring example and incentive to the region from which the direction of natural progress will become the focus for peace and purposeful endeav-
Slovenia does not seek her own independence at the expense of the region, but
178
Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
as a positive forward step for the whole region and its constituent partners. Slovenia is technologically and financially capable; it is nationally homogeneous, and in control of its recognised territory.
We feel confident in commending Slovenia's aims and purposes to you, and in suggesting that immediate diplomatic recognition of the independent status of the Republic of Slovenia will benefit Europe and also help expedite the onset of peace within the region.
Respectfully yours,
The Slovene Information Centres of London, UK; Ottawa, Canada; Sydney, Australia
Razprave in gradivo. Ljubijono. 2002, št. 40
179
Pismo I.eanderja V. Škofa Barbari McDougall z dne, 19. oktobra 1991
Canadian Slovenian Congress. 770 Browns Line. Toronto. ONT. M8W3W2 Telephone: (416) 283 4290	Telefax: (416) 255 4626
October 19, 1991
The Honourable Barbara McDougall, Secretary of State for External Affairs, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont. K1A OA6.
Dear Madame Minister,
The Slovenian community in Canada together with all freedom loving Canadians salute and thank our Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, for his firm reiteration to the Commonwealth summit that "... Canada will not subsidize repression and stifling of democracy", implying that the government of Canada has dropped the policy of non-interference in internal affairs against oppressive totalitarian regimes.
We trust, Madame Minister, the above statement also signals our government's proactive support for all such new fledgling democracies as the Republic of Slovenia. Accordingly the Slovenian community anxiously awaits Canada's formal diplomatic recognition of the democratic Republic of Slovenia. For your information I am enclosing the joint letter and Statement that was sent to the Commonwealth Conference in Harare, Zimbabwe, on behalf of Slovenians residing in Canada, Britain and Australia.
Your reply with relevant comments on your latest foreign policy in regard to the Republic of Slovenia will be greatly appreciated.
Respectfully yours,
Leander V. Skof, Secretary General Canadian Slovenian Congress
End.: Letter of 17/10/91 to The Right Honourable Robert Mugabe, The Prime Minister of Zimbabwe
and Chairman of Commonwealth Conference, cc The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister of Canada.
180
Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Pismo Stana Kranyca Barbari McDougall z dne, 18. novembra 1991
444 Abruz Blvd. Mississauga, Ontario L5A 1N2 (4l6)270-7490
November 18, 1991
Hon. Barbara McDougall, M.P House of Commons Ottawa Ontario
Dear Ms. McDougall:
Please help to stop BRUTAL WAR and SENSELESS SLAUGHTER by Yugoslavian Federal Army by immediately RECOGNIZING SLOVENIA and CROATIA as INDEPENDENT STATES.
Thank you.
Yours truly,
Stan Kranyc
President of Ail Slovenian Committee - Ontario Vice President Canadian Slovenian Congress Director Canadian Slovenian Chamber of Commerce
Rozpravg in grodivo, Ljubljano. 2002. šl. 40
181
Pismo Willi am a S. Pavucha Barbari McDougall z dne, 4. decembra 1991
Slovenian Information Centre Slovenski I nf ormaciiski Center 110 Brown's Line, Etobicoke, Ont. M8W3 W2 Phone: (416) 255 4626
Fax: (416) 253 5899
The Honourable Barbara McDougall Secretary of State for External Affairs House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6.
4 December 1991
Dear Minister,
The Slovenian communicy in Canada would like to thank you for taking che time to consider this letter with respect to the concerns and issues confronting our community in the present status of the new Republic of Slovenia. We also appreciate your effort in making a portion of your time available to the Foreign Minister of Slovenia, Dr. Dimitrij Rupel, during his visit to Canada on 27 November. We hope that this meeting was both fulfilling and constructive in furthering Canada's understanding of the positions and aspirations of the Republic of Slovenia,
We are writing to you in conjunction with the first anniversary of^the Referendum on Independence that was held in Slovenia on the 23 of December 1990. This referendum charted a new, historic and democratic beginning for the new country of Slovenia. The results of this referendum, in which ninety-two percent of Slovenians voted in favour of full independence from Yugoslavia, was an overwhelming display of the free will of Slovenians and their desire to participate in a new democracy.
Just a few short days ago, the citizens of Ukraine demonstrated this same desire for democracy and freedom of their new state by voting in favour of independence from the USSR. Ukrainians are now enjoying their new found freedom and independence just as Slovenians have been doing over the last twelve months, though, without international acknowledgement as of yet. The aspirations of Slovenia in becoming a fully functioning and sovereign nation-state is a total reality today. Slovenia has fulfilled all of the international requirements that determine whether or not a nation can become a recognized state. Slovenia has been a fully cooperative and participatory actor in the search for lasting peace in the Yugoslav region. This reality has been present for six months now thanks to long negotiations between Slovenia, the Yugoslav Army, the European
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Community and recently under the Hague Conference, led by His Excellency Lord Carrington. Slovenia has truly had to earn its independence and has done so most successfully and peacefully. Slovenia has now promulgated its new Constitution that has, at its root, the entrenchment of liberal democracy and the ensbrinement of minority linguistic, cultural, religious, economic and representative rights within that same document.
Slovenia has made it unequivocally clear that it will be a responsible member of the global community with its assurances made through a Constitution and its preservation of minority rights.
What can not be stressed enough is that the aspirations of Slovenia should not be directly linked with the aspirations of any other former Yugoslav republics. Assuming that Slovenia be considered a sort of "siamese twin" to any other republic places Slovenia in the position of a "hostage" amongst other conflictual powers that be in the region. The position of Slovenia, as well as our understanding of the present situation, is that Slovenia is a fully independent entity, apart from any other entity that exists in the region.
From what we understand, the meeting between yourself and Dr. Rupel included the issue of Slovenia's distinctiveness and uniqueness in the region. We commend you for your correct understanding of the present situation of Slovenia in the region and are encouraged by Canada's new comprehension of this reality.
Of current vital importance for Slovenia is the topic of international sanctions of Yugoslavia. The imposition of sanctions by the EC and selected other states, including Canada, is commendable, however, there must be extreme care taken to specifically delineate the exact purpose, target and expected results of such measures. What must be kept clear is that economic sanctions are generally imposed as a punitive measure against an actor that is not acting in a manner respective of international laws and conventions or an actor that initiates terrible harm against the citizens of its own nation or those of another nation. Keeping this in mind, the Slovenian Foreign Minister, Dr. Rupei has said that, "Imposition of non-selective sanctions ... on all of the Republics, including those which are not directly involved in the present conflict would be contradictory to the aims and logic of economic sanctions ..."
Sanctions, as their justification, are imposed in order for aggressor in a conflict, in this case, the Serbian-led Yugoslav Army, be disciplined for acts of aggression that have been deemed contrary to international law. Global institutions such as the United Nations, as well as unilateral actors, must take this realization into strict consideration and avoid imposing "blanket" sanctions that are designed to "discipline" even those actors who have shown themselves to be most cooperative and constructive in the search for peace, such as the Republic of Slovenia. Sanctions on all of "Yugoslavia" means punitive action against a peaceful country. Of great concern to Slovenia is the fact that restrictions in trade and other economic activity brought on by sanctions are harming the fragile
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economy of Slovenia even further. Sanctions imposed by the Yugoslav Republic itself have already had a detrimental effect on Slovenia's economy.
Slovenia is burdened by yet another social and economic dilemma. Since the beginning of the war in Croatia some months ago, Slovenia has taken into its territory close to 25000 refugees of Croatian origin. These displaced persons in Slovenia are in constant need of provisioning, whether it be food, clothing, shelter, or medical attention. With winter upon them, it is essential that the Slovenian economy be allowed to operate freely and that international sanctions not be placed on Slovenia blindly and without consideration to factors which are beyond its control, such as forced migrations of people. If anything, Slovenia needs to be aided in all manners possible - not punished with sanctions as is the present case.
Slovenia has managed to make major and internationally significant inroads towards recognition of its independence. Slovenia now competes independently in a variety of internationally recognized sports tournaments. The governing body of worldwide alpine skiing, the International Ski Federation, has recognized Slovenia's independence in winter sports. On 1-2 December 1991, the Slovenian National Ski Jumping Team competed most proudly at the Husky World Cup Ski Jumping Competition held in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Slovenia has already, and will continue to be in the future, a proven, reliable and cooperative member of the global community. In order to fully carry oui its responsibilities in the global sphere, Slovenia needs the acknowledgement of its statehood from that global community, Slovenia has assured the global community of its resolve to follow the principles of liberal democracy, human rights, minority rights and full participation in international organizations and respect for the guidelines and requirements set down by these institutions.
Without the clear resolve of the global community and attempts as consistency in foreign policy formulation, the wave to freedom and democracy that has flowed over the past three years, especially in Europe, may be inclusive to some aspiring democracies, and yet exclusive to others. If there exists a clear resolve and political will in the world to democracy and recognition of fledgling democracies, nations will be fairly and justly included. If this will falters or becomes inconsistent, the desire for democracy and freedom around the globe will be suppressed in the face of the new expansion of freedom around the world today and tomorrow.
We sincerely hope, Minister, that your interest and commitment to this issue will remain strong and steadfast. Thank you for your effort and concern thus far in this important issue.
Respectfully yours,
William S. Pavlich
SLOVENIAN INFORMATION CENTRE
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Pismo Stana Kranyca Barbari McDoucall z dnu, 9- decembra 1991
Mr. Scan Kranjc 444 Abruz Blvd. MISSTSSAUGA ON L5A1N2
9 December 1991
Honerable Barbara McDougail M.P External Affairs Minister House of Commons OTTAWA, ON K1A OA6
Dear Ms. McDougail:
Allow me to congratulate you and the Canadian government for the recognition of Ukraine as an independent state.
As you know, last year Slovenia had a referendum on independence and approximately 90 % of Slovenian people voted in favour of independence. It is time overdue to recognize Slovenia, like you have recognized Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and now Ukraine.
The Toronto Star reported, on December 5, 1991, three conditions you outlined for official recognition of Croatia;
-	An end to the violence
-	Recognizable and agreed upon borders for the new nation
-	Guaranty of minority rights Slovenia meets all three conditions.
-	There is no violence in Slovenia -There are no border disputes
-	Slovenian government has agreed to guaranty rights for minority groups such as Ethnic Italians.
Why is SLOVENIA not RECOGNIZED?
On Thursday December 5, 1991, The Globe and Mail reported your statement: The key to independence is to end the violence and to have all the parties negotiate in good faith. Again, I point out that there is no violence in Slovenia and the Slovenians have been and are continuing to negotiate in good faith. As well, they are responsibly living up to the agreements they reach.
It is WRONG to penalize Slovenia because Serbian and the Federal army leaders are not negotiating in good faith and are not living up to the agreements they
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make. As well, they are continuing with brutal war and senseless slaughter and destruction in Croatia.
Ms. McDougall, it is time and it is just to fulfill the Slovenian dream and right by
recognizing Slovenia as an independent state.
Wishing you, Canada and Slovenia much success.
Thank you.
Stan Kranjc
President, All Slovenian Committee - ONT Vice President, Canadian Slovenian Congress Director, Canadian Slovenian Chamber of Commerce
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Ameriška domovina 93 (50) : 5. Cleveland, December 12, 1991
Uraden obisk dr. Dimitrija Rupla v Ottawo7 Kanada 27. novembra
Dr. ZlatkoA. Verbič, od slovenskega zunanjega ministrstva uradno imenovanega predstavnika le-tega v Torontu, nam pošilja sledeče poročilo o obisku zunanjega ministra Republike Slovenije dr Dimitrija Rupla v Kanado, do katerega je prišlo 27. novembra.
Urednik
TORONTO, Ont. - Pisarna pooblaščenca ministrstva za zunanje zadeve Republike Slovenije v Torontu je štiri tedne pripravljala obisk dr. Dimitrija Rupla, ministra za zunanje zadeve Republike Slovenije v kanadsko glavno mesto Ottawo. Vključena v priprave sta bila tudi dr. Anton Štukel, "liaison" za pisarno v Toronto, in g. Milan Benett iz Ottawe.
Da bi bil obisk čim uspešnejši, je bilo potrebno navezati stike za sestanek in jih časovno uskladiti. Pripravili smo razgovore z ministrico za zunanje zadeve kanadske vlade, go. Barbaro McDougall, s člani uradne parlamentarne opozicije, s člani stalnih odborov za zunanje zadeve in za mednarodno trgovino, ter z drugimi osebnostmi kanadskega političnega Življenja. Za zvezo med našo pisarno v Torontu in pristojnimi političnimi uradi in faktorji v Ottawj gre posebna zahvala Jesse Flisu, ki zastopa v parlamentu okraj Parkdale-High Park v Torontu. Za časovno in uspešno koordinacijo pa gre zahvala dr. Štuklu in g. Benettu.
Naša pisarna je obvestila in poslala vabila predstavnikom slovenskih organizacij, duhovnim vodjem in gospodarstvenikom po Kanadi. Zajtrk in srečanje z dr. Ruplom je bilo napovedano za sredo, 27. novembra, ob 8.30 zjutraj v hotelu Westin v Ottawi.
Dr. Rupel in Andrej Loga (v resnici Logar - op. M. K.), šef kabineta, sta prispela v Ottawo 26. novembra zvečer. Na letališču sta bila sprejeta od zastopnika kanadskega zunanjega ministrstva, pooblaščenca MZZ RS v Torontu (podpisani) in dr. Štrukla.
Naslednje jutro je dr. Rupel že ob 7.30 imel približno 20-minutni intervju z go. Marijo Ahačič-Pollak, za torontsko slovensko radio oddajo "Glas kanadskih Slovencev".
Sledil je delovni zajtrk in srečanje s slovensko-kanadskimi zastopniki iz političnega, gospodarskega in duhovnega življenja, ki mu je prisostvovalo 27 oseb. Na žalost, nekateri, ki so želeli biti navzoči, niso uspeli priti pravočasno, vendar je razgovor kljub temu lepo uspel.
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Slovenski zastopniki so prišli iz raznih delov Kanade. Vancouver, B.C., je zastopal g. Ivo Bergant, Montreal g. Obersnel, Toronto dr. A. Kuk in g. L. Jamnik ter drugi. Iz Ottawe so bili prisotni poleg dr. Štukla in g. Beneua tudi dr. S. Pregelj, B. Golob, D. Sedlar idr.
Navzoče sem pozdravil podpisani. Med razgovorom so vsi aktivno sodelovali z raznimi vprašanji in pripombami, prevladovala pa so vprašanja o slovenskem gospodarstvu in tovrstnem sodelovanju in povezavi med Kanado in Slovenijo. Očitno je bilo, da so kanadski Slovenci zainteresirani o dogajanjih v Sloveniji.
Zajtrk oziroma razgovor je trajal 50 minut, snemala je med tem časom kanadska televizija, t.j. CBC. Sledil je intervju dr. Rupla za MultiMedia International, ki posreduje poročila kanadski in evropski javnosti. Novinar Jeff Sallot je dr. Rupla intervjuva) za torontski list Globe and Mail.
Pomembna točka sicer enodnevnega sporeda dr. Rupla je bil obisk na zunanjem ministrstvu Kanade in razgovor z ministrico McDougallovo. Pričel se je z manjšo zamudo, ob 11.40. Prisotni so bili še David Wright, ki je "Assistant Deputy of Foreign Affairs", Pierre Guimond, ki je "Head of the Eastern European Division" v ministrstvu, in Kevin Phillip, svetovalec za evropske zadeve.
Dr. Rupla so spremljali g. Logar, dr. Štukel in podpisani. Sestanek je bil koristen, vendar brez obvezovalnih izjav glede priznanja Slovenije. Ministrica McDougall sicer razume slovensko stališče in nevmešavanje oziroma nev-pietenost Slovenije v srbsko-hrvaškem konfliktu. Pripravljena je obljubiti pomoč celemu področju, se pravi prostoru bivše Jugoslavije, v humanitarnem oziru, predvsem glede beguncev. Govorila je o posegu združenih narodov.
Celotno gledano pa je že sam obisk dosegel svoj namen, kajti bil je vzpostavljen neposreden in oseben stik med zunanjima ministroma Kanade in Slovenije. Zato je ta obisk dr. Rupla in njegov sprejem pri ge. McDougaliovi velike važnosti v diplomatskem oziru. (Opomniti velja, da izmenjave mnenj na tako visoke nivoju med Slovenijo in ZDA še ni bilo - op. ur.)
Sledilo je kosilo v restavraciji parlamenta s predstavniki parlamentarne opozicije. Prisotni so bili Lloyd Axworthy, pristojen za zunanje zadeve, M. Dupic, svetovalec v pisarni vodje opozicije g. Chretie, ga. Cynthia Steward, Warren Almond, in g. Flis. Z dr. Ruplom so pri razgovorih sodelovali še g. Logar, dr. Verbič in dr. Štukel.
Po kosilu je bil dr. Rupel s svojim spremstvom povabljen, da prisostvuje popoldanskemu zasedanju parlamenta. Ob 15.10 je dr. Rupla predstavil parlamentarcem kot zunanjega ministra Republike Slovenije g. John Fraser.
Pozno popoldne je bil sestanek s člani Odbora za zunanje zadeve in mednarodno trgovino. Predsednik odbora John Bosley ni mogel biti navzoč, vendar je bilo med dr. Ruplom in Bosleyem dogovorjeno, da se bosta dobila pri zajtrku naslednje jutro v Londonu, Anglija. Na sestanek je pa bilo prisotnih pet članov omenjenega odbora, razgovor je bil obojestransko koristen.
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Pred odhodom iz parlamenta je dr. Rupel dal izjavo za kanadski tisk. Zahvalil se je in to tudi podpisani vsem, ki so sodelovali pri organiziranju lepo uspelega obiska.
Dr. Rupla in g. Logarja je na letališče spremljal podpisani, ob 6.30 zvečer sta gosta odletela proti Londonu in nato Luksemburgu, kjer je bil napovedan sestanek z zastopniki Evropske skupnosti. Dr. Zlatko A. Verbič
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Ameriška domovina 93 (50) ; 5. Clevf.land, December 12, 1991.
Dr. Rupel se zahvalil kanadskim rojakom
Spoštovani dr. Verbič,
Ljubljana, 5- 12. 1991
Ob povratku v domovino se Vam najlepše zahvaljujem za organizacijo mojega obiska v Kanadi.
Srečanje z go. Barbaro McDougall, ministrico za zunanje zadeve Kanade, je bilo pomembno ne samo po vsebinski strani, ampak tudi za to, ker je bil to prvi stik med predstavniku vlad Slovenije in Kanade.
Visoko ocenjujem tudi razgovore s predstavniki uradne opozicije, ki so pokazali veliko razumevanje za mednarodno priznanje Republike Slovenije.
V Ministrstvu za zunanje zadeve se zavedamo pomena zvez naših rojakov po svetu s političnimi in vladnimi predstavniki držav in njihove pomoči pri navezovanju naših stikov z njimi. To se je pokazalo tudi ob mojem obisku v Kanadi, zato velja moja zahvala tudi vsem, ki so po svojih močeh prispevali k uspešni realizaciji mojega obiska v Kanadi.
S spoštovanjem,
Dr. Dimitrij Rupel Minister za zunanje zadeve, Republike Slovenije
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Pismo Wiu.iama S. Pavlicha in Sthphena S. Pavlicha Yviisu Fortieru z dne,
14. decembra 1991
Slovenian Information Centre Slovenski Informacij ski Center 770 Brown 's Line, Etobicoke, Ont M8W3W2 Phone: (416) 255 4626 Fax: (416) 253 5899
Mr. Yves Fortier
Ambassador, Canadian Permanent Mission to the United Nations 866 United Nations Plaza, Ste. 250 New York, N.Y. 10017 USA
14 December 1991
Dear Ambassador,
On behalf of the Slovenian community in Canada, we thank you again for providing your time to consider the relevant issues concerning the Republic of Slovenia that are presently unfolding.
In our last letter to you, dated 23 November 1991, we expressed our positions, desires and concerns with respect to the situation that Slovenia is finding itself in at that time. Since that time, there have been several positive and constructive movements within the global community, both from organizations of states, unilateral actions of others and by the political leaders of other states, in promoting the uniqueness and independence of the new Slovenia. At present, the recognition of Slovenia as an independent and sovereign state by the Federal Republic of Germany is now imminent. Other actors inside and outside the European Community have expressed their desire to recognize Slovenia's independence as well.
On 13 December 1991, the Secretary General of the United Nations, over the electronic media, made a statement with respect to the situation in "Yugoslavia". (This was reported over CBC Radio in Toronto). The Secretary General stated that he had, "urged Germany and Italy not to pursue diplomatic recognition of any breakaway republic, for this would only deepen the crisis."
Speaking for Slovenia alone, we have reservations as to the rationality and reasoning of this particular statement. This statement assumes as a "given" that Slovenia is inextricably tied to conflicts and aspirations being fought and sought
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by other actors in the region. The intentions and realities of Slovenia's independence should not be "twinned" with those of any other republic or power in the region. Slovenia's unique and distinct language, culture, heritage, outlook and political /governmental structure begs one to treat each individual national entity in the region as unique and not simply portions of some homogeneous structure.
Slovenia, today, functions as a fully independent state with an effective and responsible government, a distinguishable territory, a functional Constitution which guarantees minority and human rights and a working peace mechanism in place. The will of the Slovenian people was also shown in a democratic referendum held exactly one year ago, in which citizens voted more than overwhelmingly to support Slovenia's independence. Assuming Slovenia's existence as that of a "siamese twin" to any other republic operates contrary to the unique reality that Slovenia has placed itself - as a fully functional and democratic nation-state.
In light of Slovenia's situation and its full cooperation in the peace efforts of The Hague Conference, the European Community officially removed economic sanctions that were placed on "Yugoslavia" from Slovenia. The EC had adopted the realization, and correctly so, that the former "Yugoslav" republics had to be treated as separate in the planning of the EC policies and plans for the region. In Canada, the Secretary of State for External Affairs, Barbara McDougall, in her meeting with the Foreign Minister of Slovenia, Dr. Dimitrij Rupel on 27 November 1991, expressed her new understanding of Slovenia's position of uniqueness in the region and was most sympathetic to Slovenia's intentions.
The Secretary General of the United Nations still seems to be holding the notion that there still exists some from of Yugoslav entity, which, at present simply does not exist. The recognition of Slovenia's independence will not "deepen the crisis" as FHs Excellency Mr. Perez de Cuellar has stated. Slovenia has been at peace since the Brioni Declaration, and this has proven to be a lasting and permanent peace. Slovenia, therefore, is external to the present situation in the region.
Slovenia has made enormous achievements towards recognition in the sports arena of the world. Slovenia's recognition by the International Ski Federation and its participation at the World Cup Ski Jump Competition at Thunder Bay, Ontario have been recent examples.
The diplomatic recognition of Slovenia by various European nations, Germany among the most influential of these nations, is now imminent. These nations now understand the nature and character of Slovenia's uniqueness in the region and believe, correctly so, that the situation of Slovenia warrants differentiated political relations on their part from the remainder of the republics in the area. By urging European nations to withhold their diplomatic recognition of Slovenia, the Secretary General may nor be aiding a new and fledgling democra-
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cy in Europe and may be going against the grain of reality of Slovenia's existence.
Ambassador, there must be a new understanding forged in which this region is not looked at as "homogeneous" in every respect, but as "heterogeneous" in every respect. Therefore, a political act by one or a group of states in recognizing Slovenia will not have a single resultant effect of which His Excellency Javiar Perez de Cuellar speaks.
Respectfully yours,
William S. Pavlich	Stephen S. Pavlich
SLOVENIAN INFORMATION CENTRE
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Ameriška domovina 93 (51) : 3■ C leve lan d, December 19, 1991.
VOŠČILO IN ZAHVALA Slovencem v ZDA ln Kanadi
Drage slovenske rojakinje in rojaki v Združenih državah in Kanadi!
Slovenci doma in po svetu te dni živimo v velikih, veselih in raznovrstnih pričakovanjih. S tradicionalnim pričakovanjem božičnih in novoletnih praznikov se prepleta nestrpno in enkratno pričakovanje zgodovinskega dogodka — mednarodnega priznanja nove države Republike Slovenije. Ko vam sporočam praznična voščila in se vam še enkrat zahvaljujem za izredno gostoljubnost, ki sem je bil deležen med vami na svojih dveh letošnjih obiskih v Severni Ameriki, vam hkrati v imenu vlade Republike Slovenije in v svojem osebnem imenu izrekam zahvalo in priznanje za vašo izredno veliko in učinkovito politično, moralno in materialno podporo, ki ste jo v tem usodnem letu izkazovali svoji stari domovini in brez katere v teh dneh gotovo še ne bi bili tako blizu mednarodnemu priznanju, kakor smo.
Ko bomo v družinskih, prijateljskih, cerkvenih in drugih okoljih obhajali božične praznike in pričakovali prihod leta 1992, si prikličimo v zavest spoznanje, da slovenski narod tudi po letošnjih izkušnjah zmore zgodovinska dejanja, če se njegovi pripadniki enotno lotijo uresničevanja skupnih načrtov. Takih načrtov in take enotnosti, ki pa ne pomeni popolne miselne uniformiranosti, želim vam in sebi tudi v prihodnje, posebno v zvezi z gospodarskim dvigom naše mlade države in njeno odprtostjo za povezovanje s Slovenci po vsem svetu.
Prisrčno vas pozdravljam
dr. Janez Dular, Lr.
Minister za Slovence po svetu ln narodnosti
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Pismo Wiluama S. Pavucha in Stephen a S. Pavi.icha Roiandu Fournesu z dne,
20. januarja 1992
Slovenian Information Centre Slovenski Informacijski Center 770 Brown's Line, Etobicoke, Ont. M8W 3 W2 Phone: (416) 255 4626 Fax: (416) 253 5899
Mr. Roland Fournes
Consul General
General Consulate of
the Federal Republic of Germany
Toronto
20 January 1992 Dear Consul,
On behalf of the Slovenian community in Southern Ontario, we would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to you for joining us in our celebration of the recognition of the independency of Slovenia. We hope that the time you spent with us on the evening of the 15*1 of January was most entertaining, enjoyable and informative.
Slovenians in Canada are, today, extremely proud of the fact that we can truly call our native Slovenian homeland an independent and sovereign nation-state. The recognition of Slovenia, in large part, was as a result of the unyielding support and trust that Germany offered to Slovenia as well as Germany's belief in Slovenia's ability to fulfill its responsibilities of nationhood. Slovenia will, no doubt, demonstrate this ability with skill, deftness and respect for the rule of law. Your presence and words of congratulations and encouragement were very much appreciated and worthy of great importance to our community and to Slovenia.
With our highest regards, We are, Respectfully yours,
William S. Pavlich Slovenian Information Centre
Stephen S. Pavlich Slovenian Information Centre
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Pismo Wh.i.iama S. Pavljcha in Stcphena S. Pavücha Patricku Boyeru z dne,
20. januarja 1992
Slovenian Information Centre Slovenski Informacijski Center 770 Brown 's Line, Etobicoke, Ont M8W3W2 Phone: (416) 255 4626 Fax: (416) 253 5899
The Honourable Patrick Boyer, M.P. House of Commons Ottawa k1a 0a6
20 January 1992
Dear Consul,
On behalf of the Slovenian community in Southern Ontario, we would like to extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to you for joining us in our celebration of the recognition of the independence of Slovenia. We hope that the time you spent with us on the evening of January 15 was most entertaining and enjoyable.
Canadian-Slovenians are extremely proud that we can now truly call our native homeland of Slovenia an independent and sovereign nation-state. We are equally proud, as Canadians, that Canada has shown its traditional role of leadership in recognizing Slovenia's independence and affirming Canada's commitment to multilateral peacekeeping efforts under the United Nations flag in the region affected by violence. Slovenia, we believe, will fulfill its global responsibilities with skill, deftness and respect for the rule of law.
Your presence and your words of congratulations and encouragement were very much appreciated and worthy of great importance for our community and to Slovenia. We applaud your interest and concern for Slovenia and for the maintenance of peace and stability in the new countries.
With our highest regards, We are, Respectfully yours,
William S. Pav lic h Slovenian Information Centre
Stephen S. Pavlich Slovenian Information Centre
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Pismo Lea Filitovica Williamu S. Pavlichu in Stephenu S. Paviichu z dne,
24. januarja 1992
BUREAU OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
January 24, 1992
William S. Pavlich Stephen S. Pavlich
SLOVENIAN INFORMATION CENTRE 770 Brown's Line Etobicoke, Ontario M8W 3W2
Dear Sirs-.
It was an honour to be present at your wonderful celebration making the recognition of Slovenia and Croatia.
On behalf of the entire Croatian community I would like to thank the Slovenian community in the Toronto area for the moral and material support during these difficult times.
I thank all those who participated in the packing and loading of relief goods for Croatian refugees. This action of solidarity bears witness to the unselfish kindness of the Slovenian community.
1 still recall that day, a half year ago, when we gathered together Slovenians and Croatians, to express our unity when our two nations declarated independece. We were always good neighbours and we will always be good neighbours. Together we fought the onslaught of the aggressor and together we rejoice today, in the was of a new era for our nations. Let us look optimistically toward a long life peace, democracy, human rights and freedom for our two new-born nations.
With highest regards
Leo Filipovic Assistant Agent General
153 Bridgeland Avenue, Suite 2, Toronto, Ontario, MSA 2Y6 Tel (416) 784-3838 Pax. (416) 784-3840
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Pismo Patricks Boyera Williamu S. Pavlicuu in Stephenu S. Pavlichu z dne,
24 januarja 1992
HOUSE OF COMMONS CANADA
Patrick Boyer, M.P. Etobicoke-Lakeshore
January 24, 1992
Mr. William S. Pavlich Mr. Stephen S. Pavlich Slovenian information Centre 770 Brown's Line Etobicoke, Ontario M8W 3W2
Dear William and Stephen:
How good of you to write such a fine letter as the one you sent me on January 20. It was a wonderful moment for all of us last week, on January 15, when as I said in my speech at the church hall, "our country Canada has given full diplomatic recognition to our country Slovenia".
I believe that is the real meaning of being Canadian, that one can in fact live with cwo homelands.
The weeks and months ahead will be very important in establishing the new basis for Slovenia and especially Canadian-Slovenian relations. You and other leaders in the community here in Canada certainly have an important role to play in these developments. As your Member of Parliament and as a supporter for the change which has been achieved by Slovenia, I look forward to working closely with you.
Please keep in touch, With every good wish,
Yours sincerely
Patrick Boyer, Q.C., M.P. Etobicoke-Lakeshore
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Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Pismo Stana Baha, Franka Habjanater Leanderja Škofa Bkianu Muironeyu z dne,
25. januarja 1992
Canadian Slovenian Congress. 770 Browns Line. Toronto. ONM8W3W2 Telephone: (416) 283 4290	Telefax: (416) 255 4626
January 25, 1992.
The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney,
Prime Minister of Canada,
House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Dear Prime Minister:
At its meeting today the Executive Board of the Council of the Canadian Slovenian Congress unanimously passed the following resolution: "The Slovenian Community in Canada, represented by the Canadian Slovenian Congress, thanks and salutes the Government of Canada for its leadership and courage in being first in the Western Hemisphere to recognize the independence of the Republic of Slovenia."
We feel confident that Slovenia will fulfill its responsibilities of statehood with skill, deftness and respect for the rule of law and become a reliable partner in international relations.
With our highest regards, we remain respectfully yours, Dr. Stan Bah, Chairman of the Council Dr. Frank Habjan, President of the Executive Board Leander Skof MBA, General Secretary
cc The Honourable Barbara McDougall, Secretary of State for External Affairs
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Pismo Stana Kranyca Brianu Mulroneyu
z dne, 6. kebruarja 1992
February 06, 1992
The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney Prime Minister of Canada House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6
Dear Prime Minister Mulroney:
Managing Board of AJ1 Slovenian Committee at its meeting held on Feb 05, 1992 unanimously passed the following resolution.
Members of Slovenian Organizations and Establishments in Southern Ontario are gratified and thankful to the Government of Canada, External Affairs Minister Honourable Barbara Mc Dougall and you Prime Minister Mulroney for being among the first nations to recognize Independent Republic of Slovenia. International recognition is a remarkable and historic achievement for Slovenian people. We feel confident that Slovenia will develop its economy, culture and statehood according to the desire of its people and with respect for the rule of the law and become reliable and valuable partner in international relations. With our sincere thanks, we remain respectfully yours.
Stan Kranjc President All Slovenian Committee 770 Browns Line Toronto, Ont, M8W 3W2
SK/gr
c.c.The Honourable Barbara McDugall Secretary of State for External Affairs
200_Mgl[až Klernenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljence v v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
plsmo Stana Kranjca Brianu Mulkoneyu z dne, 13- februarja 1992
February 13, 1992
The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, PC
Prime Minister of Canada
311S Centre Block
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
I have the honour to inform you that Dr. Peter Klopcic and Mr. Stan Kranjc Senior Representatives of the Canadian Slovenian Community and Dr. Zlatko Verbic Special Counsellor to the Minister for External Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia met with President Kiro Gligorov of the Republic of Macedonia during his visit to Toronto on Feb 01, 1992.
The purpose of this meeting was to express to President Gligorov the sentiments of the Canadian Slovenian community which, having experienced recognition of their own homeland by Canada and European Community, fervently supports the Macedonian quest for international recognition.
We are encouraged by the President's account of his positive and productive meetings with you Prime Minister Mulroney and Secretary of State for External Affairs the Honourable Barbara McDougaU as well as the US and UN officials, which hopefully will lead to speedy recognition of Macedonian independence and statehood.
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la this spirit, the Canadian Slovenian Community joins the significant number of Canadians of Croatian and other Slavic backgrounds in assuring you Prime Minister and other Ministers in your Cabinet of our unreserved support for the Canadian Macedonian Community's request that Macedonia should be recognized and that Canada's recognition ought to take place immediately.
Sincerley yours,
Stan Kranjc President All Slovenian Committee
SK/gr
c.c.The Honourable Barbara McDugall Secretary of State for External Affairs
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Mcl|oz Klemeneic: Delovonje slovenskih izseljencev v Kgnodi zo neodvisno Slovenijo
Pis.mo Barbare McDougall Stani.■ Kranycu z dne, 17. februarja 1992
Secretary of State for External Affairs Canada Canada Secretaire d'Etat aux Affaires exterieures
February 17, 1992
Mr. Scan Kranyc 444 Abruz Boulevard Mississauga, Ontario L5A 3N2
Dear Mr. Kranyc:
Thank you for your letter of November 18, 1991, regarding the situation in Yugoslavia. 1 regret the delay in replying.
On January 15, 1992, the Prime Minister announced our recognition of the republics of Croatia and Slovenia as independent states. However, before establishing diplomatic relations with them, we wish to be satisfied that they intend to adhere to the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris and other Conference on Security and Co-operation in F,urope (CSCE) documents, particularly regarding full respect for human rights and the protection of minorities. The Canadian government has denounced the acts of violence and terror in Croatia. In concert with our friends and allies, we are making every effort to facilitate a peaceful solution to this crisis.
We continue to provide emergency humanitarian relief to those affected by the war and are considering fourther measures. Canadians are participants in the cease-fire monitoring mission in Croatia that the CSCE has mandated and that the European Community is coordinating.
The Prime Minister was the first leader to urge the United Nations to get involved in resolving the crisis. We have been pressing for the early dispatch of a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission to Yugoslavia and have indicated our willingness to participate in such a mission. We also participate in the UN group sent to facilitate contact between the parties.
Canada is also abiding by resolution 727 of the UN Security Council which reaffirms the UN arms embargo on all of Yugoslavia and its former republics.
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I hope that this información on our position and actions taken this Fall will confirm to you Canada's interest in a negotiated, democratic and peaceful outcome to the Yugoslav crisis.
Yours sincerely,
Barbara McDougall
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Molja? Idemenčič: Delovanje slovenskih izseljencev v Konodi za neodvisno Slovenijo
Pismo Danice Purg Stanu Kranycu z dne, 25. februarja 1992
INTERNA TIONAL EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Mr. Stan Kranyc Lancia Bravo 58 A Hook Avenue Tornonto, Ontario M6P1T5 Canada
Fax: 991 416 766 4032 Pages: 4
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NF-666/92 Brdo, February 25, 1992
Dear Mr. Kranyc!
Let me tell you how often I recall my last year visit to Canada and remember the warm feelings I had when meeting you, I believe it would be a shame not to develop our contacts further. This I am coming back to the idea of receiving several Canadian Slovenes in our Centre, where they could at the same time benefit from our excellent management development programmes and from learning firsthand about the changes in Slovenia while establishing close personal and business contacts.
When thinking about the suitable programmes, I decided for a five week seminar "Managers in Transition", as well as for our Executive MBA programme.
The "Managers in Transition" programme is aimed at young managers that would like to acquire skills and knowledge needed for transition from functional to more general, strategic responsibilities within the company. Please find enclosed the short outline of the 1992 programme, which starts in April already. Since this programme needs significantly less Investment, I would recommend it to your immediatle attention. Of course, our Executive MBA, intended for more expenenced managers, is, being among the very best programmes of its kind in Europe, also an attractive choice. I have sent you the brochures with all the details under separate cover today
Hoping to hear from you soon, and wishing to welcome you in Slovenia and our Centre in near future,
International Executive Development Centre
Brdo pri Kranju 64000 KRANJ Slovenia
Tel
+ 38 64 215 667 + 38 64 215 668 + 38 64 218 080 Fax:
+ 38 64 218 476 Tlx:
31 138 YUGZ
With kind regards, Dr. Danica Purg Director
P.S. Ijust receivedyour mail! Thank you very much!
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Moljož Klernenčič; Deiovonje slovenski!) izseljencev v Kanadi za neodvisno Slovenijo
PiSMO Barbari-: McDougall Stanu Kranycu z dni:. 20. Maja 1992
Secretary of State for External affairs Canada Canada Secretaire d'Etat aux Affaires exterieures
May 20, 1992
Mr. Stan Kranyc 444 Abruz Boulevard Mississauga, Ontario L5A 1N2
Dear Mr. Kranyc:
Thank you for your letter of December 9, 1991, regarding (he situation in Slovenia. On January 15, 1992, the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Brain Mulroney, announced our recognition of the republics of Croatia and Slovenia as independent states. A Canadian representative has visited Ljubljana to present a letter from Mr. Mulroney to President Kucan and to begin discussions leading to the establishment of diplomatic relations in the future.
I hope that this information on our position and action taken thus far is helpful. Yours sincerely,
Barbara McDougall.
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RECOGNITION OF SLOVENIA
On behalf of AllSloventan Committee, Slovenian Organizations and Establishments in Southern Ontario, I extend sincerest congratulations to Slovenian people.
International recognition of Slovenia is a remarkable and historic achievement. On January 15, 1992, we Canadian-Slovenians proudly celebrated Slovenia's recognition by Canada and over 30 other countries.
We are very greatful to Canada for being among the first nations to recognize Slovenia. Thanks to Prime Minister Mulroney, External Affairs Minister Honourable Barbara McDougall and many other Canadians. Special thanks to Canadian-Slovenians for their persistent and diligent work towards Slovenian Freedom, Democracy and Recognition.
Sincerest congratulations to the government of the U.S.A. and its people for their recognition of the Independent Republic of Slovenia. Special thanks to American-Slovenians for their contributions toward this great achievement. Recognition of Slovenia is now complete.
We feel confident that Slovenia will develop its economy, culture and statehood according to the desire of its people and with respect for the rule of the law. We also feel Slovenia will become a reliable and valuable partner in international relations.
The Old Country is now a New Country Slovenia, free and independent at last.
Stan Kranjc
President AllSlovenian Committee Ontario, Canada
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Moljoz Klemencic: Deiovonje siovenskih izsgjjencev v Konadi za neodvisno Sloveniio
100 WORDS ABOUT A LAND CALLED SLOVENIA
Once upon a time, in a land called Slovenia, was only hope of what today is a reality.
From Prekmurje to Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is independent, democratic and free.
Slovenians suffered under the worst political regimes. As a result of the love of
their land, belief in justice, God and themselves, they survived.
We should learn from Slovenian achievements. When you do not succeed at first,
never give up. Try again and again!
Finally, long deserved and earned reward was granted.
These gifts of freedom and independence must never be taken for granted. They must always be cherished and protected.
BY: Stan Kranjc 22 Riverwood Terr Bolton, Ontario Canada L7E 1S2
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Objavljeno gradivo je avtor zbral leta 1995, ko je bil štipendist Multi Cultural History Society of Ontario.