ABSTRACT: Although Italy helped establish the Independent State of Croatia, until early 1942 it pursued political and military expansion at Croatia’s expense. In June 1942, however, this policy shifted abruptly, as Italy withdrew large parts of its troops from Croatia. This paper analyses the causes of this move, which had long-term consequences not only for Italians and Croatians, but also for the Partisans, Chetniks, and the conduct of the war in Croatia. It further examines Italian-Croatian-German negotiations, revealing both the nature of their alliance and the tensions between Italian military and civil authorities.

KEYWORDS: Independent State of Croatia, Fascist Italy, Treaty of Zagreb, Italy, withdrawal, Ante Pavelić, Vladimir Košak

SUMMARY: Although it played a central role in the establishment of the Independent State of Croatia, Italy pursued a policy of political and military expansion at its expense. However, in June 1942 this policy changed abruptly, as the Italian authorities withdrew a large portion of their troops from Croatia. The withdrawal was preceded by Croatian demands and diplomatic efforts. While these efforts accelerated the decision to withdraw, the Italians had already been aware of the need to redefine many aspects of their policy in Croatia. The Italian withdrawal was primarily driven by Italy’s own political and military interests and had long-term consequences not only for Italians and Croats, but also for the Partisans, the Chetniks, and the broader course of the war in Croatia. Unlike the Croats, the Germans correctly assessed the withdrawal as a calculated Italian move rather than a sign of weakness. Sources from this episode make it possible to examine Italian–Croatian–German negotiations, revealing the nature of their alliance as well as tensions between Italian military and civilian authorities. Although the Germans were dissatisfied with this Italian move, they had no choice but to tolerate it, an outcome that illustrates the extent of Italian influence in Croatia. Through an examination of Italian correspondence, the article shows how the Italians formulated the provisions of the Zagreb Agreement of 19 June 1942, which redefined Italian–Croatian relations after the Italian withdrawal. In this context, the formation of the Volunteer Anti-Communist Militia in Croatia is also explained. Drawing on Italian, Croatian, German, French, Serbian, and Yugoslav archival sources and scholarly research, the article analyzes the causes of the Italian military withdrawal from Croatia in 1942 and its broader implications.