Decree: On the First Croatian Government
In this decree, Ante Pavelic proclaims himself head of state and names his closest advisors as state ministers of the NDH. During the four-year lifespan of the NDH, Pavelic orchestrated more than seven government reshuffles, though most of the figures named in this founding decree remained fixtures in the government until its collapse in May of 1945. Kvaternik was forced out as head of the army in 1943. The actual duties of the "Minister of Association" is uncertain; Jozo Dumandzic (sometimes spelled "Dumancic" in other NDH records) was soon replaced in this position by Janko Tortic, though Dumandzic remained in the government.

 

NUMBER 12

DECREE
On the Appointment of the First
Croatian Government

 

Zagreb, 16 April 1941 (by the Poglavnik's Cabinet)

I, Poglavnik of the Independent State of Croatia appoint the first Croatian government:

1. The affairs of the head of state and foreign affairs will be handled by me personally.

2. I appoint as deputy head of state Osman Kulenovic of Bihac.

3. As commander of the army and minister of the Croatian Home Army, consisting of land, air, and sea forces and all men under arms, and as minister of traffic I name Field Marshal Slavko Kvaternik of Zagreb. For active operations the Poglavnik will name deputies on his own based upon necessity.

4. I appoint as Minister of Justice Mirko Puk of Glina.

5. I appoint as Minister of Internal Affairs Andrija Artukovic of Ljubuski.

6. I appoint as Minister of Health Ivan Petric of Solta.

7. I appoint as Economic Minister Lovru Susic of Mrkoplje.

8. I appoint as Minister of Religion and Education Mile Budak of Sveti Roka.

9. I appoint as Minister of Forestry and Mines Ivica Frkovic of Lickog Novi.

10. I appoint as Minister of Association [ministrom udruzba] Jozo Dumandzic of Klobuka.

11. I appoint as head of the legislative committee Milovan Zanic of Senj.

 

Poglavnik
of the Croatian State:
Dr. Ante Pavelic, v.r. [by his own hand]

 

:: filing information ::
Title: Decree: On the First Croatian Government
Source: Exhibit introduced in the Trial of Dinko Sakic.
Date: April 1941 Added: November 2002