CIC Memorandum from Agents Caniglia and Zappala
From the US Army file on Ante Pavelic: The lack of background on Pavelic in this report is appalling, particularly as it comes after Special Agent Robert Clayton Mudd's extensive biography on the fugitive. Regardless, these agents mention the "Croat Convent of 'S. Girolamo degli Illirici,'" though they place Pavelic's wife there. Most of the CIC Agents appeared to be obsessed with locating Pavelic's wife, even though the couple had ceased sharing a habitation for reasons of security in the Summer of 1945 when in Austria. This document was also forwarded to Rome Area HQ by Capt. Robert M. Stuart.

 

COUNTER INTELLIGENCE CORPS
ROME DETACHMENT
ZONE FIVE
A.P.0. 512, U.S. ARMY

 

GAZ/md
15 March 1947
Case No. 4760

MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE:

SUBJECT: Ante PAVELIC (POGLAVNIK).
RE: Summary of Information

  1. According to a usually reliable source, information regarding Subject was submitted to these Agents and subsequently passed on for guidance and consideration.

  2. Until a few months ago Ante PAVELIC, the ex-POGLAVNIK of Croatia was hidden in Carinzia (Austria) in the American Occupational Zone. Since his sojourn in that region has become always more dangerous, PAVELIC, it appears, has taken advantage of the strong protection of a high prelate and provided with false documents was able to reach Rome in November 1946. In Rome PAVELIC took refuge in a religious institution which enjoys the privilege of diplomatic immunity since it is under the jurisdiction of the Holy See.

This Institute is the "COLLEGIO PIO PONTIFICIO IN PRATI" (Via Giocchino Belli, No. 3) whose director should be a prelate of Croatian or Slavic origin who is probably aware of POGLAVNIK's escape from Austria. With PAVELIC in the same seminary an intimate associate has taken refuge, a Certain Prof. SAIC, his former secretary and helper. PAVELIC and his secretary, provided with false passports, should soon be leaving for Spain where they would find refuge under the protection of the Spanish phalance.

PAVELIC is being frantically sought by the OZNA [the Yugoslav equivalent of the KGB] and elements of the Soviet GHEPEU. They are offering large sums for his capture or information regarding the exact place of his refuge. In Rome, at the Croat Convent of "S. Girolamo degli Illirici", can be found (or at least until a few days ago) PAVELIC's wife, LOVRENCIC, Maria with her two children. They arrived from Tuscany and in Florence they had contacts with ZANNONI, Olga. Another son, Ivan, born in 1908 in Zagabriais is presently in Switzerland at Lausanne (Avenue de Rumines 5) and leads a happy life. Members of OZNA, it is reported, should be going soon to Lausanne, Switzerland and their assignment is to capture him or to force him to return to Yugoslavia.

  3. Additional information pending results of investigation now being carried out, will be forwarded as soon as available.

LOUIS S. CANIGLIA, Special Agent, CIC
GEORGE A. ZAPPALA, Special Agent, CIC

 

:: filing information ::
Title: CIC Memorandum from Agents Caniglia and Zappala
Source: US Army, declassified.
Date: March 15, 1947 Added: October 2002