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Abstract: This paper examines the phenomenon of Romanian defections to Yugoslavia during the Cominform conflict, emphasizing escapes by air between 1949 and 1953. Civilian and military migrations across the Banat plain and the Danube were common, but aerial defections stood out for their significance. Based on archival evidence and relevant literature, this study analyzes the motives and circumstances behind these defections, as well as their broader implications. The role of aircraft exchange negotiations in normalizing relations between Yugoslavia and Romania after Stalin's death is also considered.

Keywords: Yugoslavia, Romania, Cominform Resolution, defections, emigration, asylum, aviation

 

Summary

The imposed conflict between Yugoslavia and Romania during the Cominform period led to notable emigration of both civilians and military personnel. Most escapes took place across the flat Banat or Danube. The air escapes were fewer in number, but far more significant than the other two. From 1949 to 1953, there were six successful aerial escape attempts from Romania to Yugoslavia: five using military aircraft and one involving the hijacking of a TARS civilian plane. Among the eighteen individuals granted political asylum, thirteen were military Air Force members. The motivations behind the defection of these Romanian military personnel were largely aligned. Usually behind the official reason – disagreement with the Cominform resolution and the policy led by Bucharest there was dissatisfaction with the poor living conditions and a palpable fear of state repression, including potential arrest and imprisonment. Most defectors aimed to use Yugoslavia merely as a transitional point before heading further west. Although the Yugoslav authorities granted asylum relatively easily, there was an expectation that these Romanian emigrants would provide valuable intelligence regarding their homeland’s political and military affairs. This information proved crucial for the Yugoslav military and security agencies, providing insights into the Romanian army structure, airport locations, and the general status of Romania's Air Force. Additionally, the strategic use of defectors conferred certain political advantages. The planes also had a significant value, especially the Yak-23. This Soviet-made jet aircraft helped the Belgrade regime gain favor with American authorities and served as additional leverage in the process of normalizing relations with Bucharest.

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