Abstract: Colonel Tanasije Dinić’s personality and contributions are principally associated with the era of the Second World War, during which he held a prominent role as a collaborator and served as one of Milan Nedić’s ministers. This article seeks to undertake a historiographical reconstruction of Colonel Dinić’s activities within the borders of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia leading up to the onset of the Second World War. The authors underscore three distinctive phases in Colonel Dinić’s life. The initial section of the study meticulously examines his wartime experiences, commencing from his enrollment in the Military Academy’s Lower School and extending to the early years subsequent to the establishment of the SHS Kingdom. The subsequent section of the article delves into Colonel Dinić’s significant contributions to the establishment, expansion, and management of an intelligence network with a specific focus on Albania and Bulgaria. The third section of the article extensively addresses Colonel Tanasije Dinić’s tenure as a member of the Yugoslav Radical Community (JRZ) and the National Assembly. The scholarly foundation of this section rests upon pertinent literature and archival sources, which have been systematically employed to craft the narrative presented in the paper.

Keywords: Tanasije Dinić, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Albania, intelligence service, JRZ, King Aleksandar Karađorđević, Milan Stojadinović

Summary

Colonel Tanasije Dinić exhibited bravery and a resolute desire to distinguish himself in the context of his wartime experiences, qualities that persisted throughout the entirety of his career. Assuming the role of the principal Yugoslav intelligence operative in Bulgaria, he not only demonstrated initiative but also displayed the audacity to challenge superior authority. This assertive approach persisted during his brief assignment in Albania. The extent of his commitment to advancing his objectives is underscored by his articles published in Politika under pseudonyms. His affiliation with „Bela Ruka“ (White Hand) and friendship with Bogoljub Jevtić likely facilitated his progression, a strategic advantage he effectively utilized to become King Aleksandar Karađorđević’s personal intelligence officer. Initiating his political trajectory, he strategically leveraged his social and political connections to navigate and propel his career forward. Throughout his political career, he adeptly utilized the mimicry skills honed during his service as an intelligence officer to navigate obstacles and strategically shift allegiances, all in an endeavor to maintain his affiliation with or seek protection from the government. For an individual accustomed to modest accomplishments, the inability to secure a prominent position in politics, despite earnest endeavors, likely proved a source of considerable frustration. It is conceivable that this discontent may serve as a catalyst, compelling him to intensify his involvement in the collaborationist machinery of the Second World War.