Croatian Currency

In your June 22 editorial, “Fearful Name From a Nazi Past,” there are disturbing inaccuracies as well as significant omissions regarding the recent introduction of the kuna as the Croatian currency. First, and most importantly, President Franjo Tudjman did not at any time override other authorities and “unilaterally change” the name of the currency. The action was taken in the Croatian Parliament, after a lengthy multi-party debate which resulted in the adoption of the name. Second, while the kuna was the name of the currency during the short period between 1941-45, the kuna enjoys a long history in Croatia as a unit of trade dating from the Sixth Century, and appeared on coins as early as 1256.

In light of all the positive steps President Tudjman has taken to improve relations with and address concerns of the Jewish and Serbian communities, it is the height of cynicism to suggest that he, a Partisan war hero, is in any way a proponent of “neo-fascism.” It would be more accurate to say that he, as well as the majority of Croatians, rejects the transparent attempts of those who oppose any and all Croatian cultural and historical symbols, regardless of their origins, and apparently prefer those under which Croatians and others suffered and died in the former Yugoslav totalitarian state.

GORDAN RADIN, First Secretary

Embassy of Croatia, Washington