“A certain expansion of cooperation is planned”: A view of the Yugoslav diplomacy on Yugoslav-Soviet literary exchange. 1961–1964

Relations between Yugoslavia and the USSR in 1961–1964 differed for better comparison with previous period. Intensive cooperation field of culture literature characterized those years. The article traces activities Yugoslav diplomats maintaining literary ties USSR. diplomats, negotiations their Soviet colleagues, publishers editors magazines, presented country’s as a reflection current state policy Yugoslavia. According to reports embassy, partners were unofficially recommended publish contemporary works. By encouraging negotiate directly writers union, which was more competent matters literature, embassy tried present matter if did not interfere independent creative associations. An exhibition books, including political ones, organized USSR, supposed path socialism. mutual trips demonstrated closeness friendship two countries. faced task positive relations Belgrade Moscow through interaction partners, on one hand, Writers’ Union, other. It necessary prevent cultural contradictions that could darken bilateral relations. This instrumentalization culture, reflected diplomatic reports, demonstrates despite public demonstration differences practice, both states had similar approach policies.