Commissioner Government

The Commissioner Government: A Puppet in the Axis Occupation

Imagine a government that exists solely for the purpose of appeasing an occupying force—this was the essence of the Commissioner Government (Komesarska vladа) during World War II. This Serbian collaborationist puppet regime, established in 1941 under German occupation, serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and contradictions that arise when a nation is forced to navigate between its own interests and those of an invader.

The Birth of a Puppet Government

Established on April 30, 1941, the Commissioner Government was headed by Milan Aćimović. This government lacked any semblance of power; it was merely an instrument to implement German orders and maintain order in the occupied territory. The members were pro-German, anti-Semitic, and anti-Communist, believing that Germany would emerge victorious from the war.

Collaboration and Exploitation

The Aćimović government collaborated with the occupiers as a means to protect Serbs from perceived threats such as democracy, communism, and multiculturalism. They actively assisted the Germans in exploiting the population and economy, taking an ‘extremely opportunistic’ view of the Jewish question. Their task was simple yet complex: secure population acquiescence, restore services, and remove undesirables.

Control and Administration

The Commissioner Government was controlled by Turner and Neuhausen. Turner had control over the economy and finances, setting wages and prices to maximize German war effort contributions. An investigation concluded that Yugoslavia’s government had provoked the war. Jewish and Roma registration and restrictions were implemented under Turner’s orders.

Enforcement and Resistance

The Aćimović Interior Ministry enforced anti-Jewish and anti-Roma laws with the help of the 3,000-strong Serbian gendarmerie. The puppet administration lacked unified power due to representation from various parties and constant German interference. Despite their efforts, the Commissioner Government was unable to suppress the uprising that began in early July.

German Occupation Authorities

The overall German approach was uneven, with some officials pushing for cooperation while others considered the government a supplement to the military administration. Aćimović requested the release of Serb POWs but was refused. The boundaries of the occupied territory were settled on May 21.

Repression and Rebellion

Förster was replaced by General der Flakartillerie Ludwig von Schröder, who reported directly to Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm List as Wehrmacht Commander-in-Chief Southeast Europe. From his headquarters in Belgrade, Schröder directly controlled four poorly-equipped local defence battalions. The occupation force was supplemented by various units, including police and military personnel.

Uprising and Response

In late June, the Aćimović administration issued an ordinance making the Banat a separate civil administrative unit under local Volksdeutsche control. The uprising rapidly turned to sabotage of German propaganda facilities, railway, and telephone lines. Armed groups appeared in the Aranđelovac district within weeks of the rebellion’s outbreak.

Final Days

The Serbian gendarmerie reported killing 82 rebels during this period. To bolster its reputation, the Aćimović government arranged public meetings, but German reprisal killings undermined their message. In late July, Schröder died after being injured in an aircraft accident. The new German Military Commander in Serbia, Luftwaffe General der Flieger Heinrich Danckelmann, struggled to suppress the revolt due to the needs of the Eastern Front.

Execution and Aftermath

On July 29, Einsatzgruppe Serbia executed 100 Jews and 22 communists in reprisal for an arson attack on German transport. By August, around 100,000 Serbs had fled Ustaše persecution, while the Aćimović administration was weakened.

Conclusion

The Commissioner Government’s story is a tragic one, highlighting the complexities of collaboration and resistance during wartime. It serves as a reminder that in times of occupation, the choices made can have profound and lasting impacts on a nation’s history and identity. Commissioner Government may be just a footnote in the annals of World War II, but its legacy lives on through the stories of those who lived under its rule.