Західноукраїнська кооперація в роки нацистської окупації (1941– 1944)

Abstract

The article examines the development of the Western Ukrainian cooperative movement during the Nazi occupation. On the basis of archival materials, published documents, press releases, the main stages of reconstruction of the cooperative network were analysed, during which it was possible to restore the work of all pre-war centres. The resumption of cooperatives was in the interests of the Nazi authorities, who intended to use them to collect taxes in kind. Therefore, the loyal attitude of the occupation administration to the active process of building a cooperative network and not hindering this process once again demonstrates its importance for Nazi officials. In addition, it is worth noting the role of banking and credit institutions, whose financial support has allowed in a short time to resume the work of many cooperatives. The organizational and legal principles of functioning of cooperative associations are outlined, namely: the procedure of legal registration of the company in the occupation departments, adoption of the charter, determination of the degree of social protection of employees. Special attention is paid to the problem of training new staff, because during the Soviet occupation some of the skilled workers either left the territory of the East Galician territory and moved to the “Polish” Governor-General’s Office, or were repressed. In view of this, it is important to highlight the reaction of the occupying authorities at all levels to conducting such training courses. In the conditions of strict control and limited autonomy in decision-making of the RSUK leadership, it was possible to carry out professional training of new staff, to ensure equal distribution of basic necessities among the inhabitants of the region, despite their significant shortage. In this context, the role of cooperatives in the collection of agricultural products, during which the law has been repeatedly violated, deserves attention. Thus, cooperatives sold and purchased products on the free market at reasonable prices without informing government agencies. This indicated a desire to support the local peasantry in difficult times, giving them the opportunity to improve their financial situation. In addition, the Ukrainian cooperative movement did not stand aside from numerous economic problems, providing financial and material support to the least socially protected categories of the population. At the same time, the leaders of the cooperative movement took all measures to avoid sending their workers to forced labour in Germany. The realization of all the outlined achievements was possible due to the balanced position and policy of the cooperative leadership, which were based on the principles of declared loyalty to the occupation administration and distancing from interdepartmental disputes.