A few posts ago I showed a picture of Lieutenant Colonel Troels-Smith representing DIS in Yugoslavia. Let’s take a look at what actually happened and find out if DIS was successfully promoting their merchandise. Here follows the first part of the story.
As early as 1930 DIS director Henckel visited Belgrade, the capital of former Yugoslavia. He was in contact with general Terzibašić and colonel Stojanović from the Directorate of Artillery in the Ministry of War.
In connection with this first contact, Colonel Krstić/Krstitch was made representative for DIS. But nothing came of this first visit and the Colonel did not sell any weapons during his six months as representative.
In 1931 a new representative was appointed. This time it was also a high ranking military man – General Jovićić. Since he was in in active service it was not possible for him to be the offical face of DIS. He was therefore assisted by Madame Danilevich/Danilević from the Danish legation, an energetic and well connected Russian lady well versed in several languages.
1931 was the year where the German reparations were suspended (after WWI a part of the German reparations went to Yugoslavia). An anti-aircraft gun competition was intended but it was cancelled due to the economic downturn. While no new weapons were bought, DIS demonstrated their anti-aircraft gun (lmg) in September 1932. Captain, engineer E. Sætter-Lassen led a demonstration in Bela Crkva with a satisfactory outcome.
PS – the spelling of names might not be correct. All comments appreciated.
To be continued….