The United States and Forced Repatriation of Soviet Citizens, 1944-47
In a small cemetery on the bank of the Drava River near Leinz, Austria, lies the mute evidence of a wartime tragedy. The 134 persons buried there all died on June X or 2, 1945, all were Soviet nationals, and all committed suicide. These dead, and a few comrades who still tend their graves, were the only ones to escape forcible repatriation from Leinz. British troops handed over 30,000 others to Soviet authorities.' A similar incident occurred at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where 154 Soviet citizens captured in German uniform were interned.2 On June 29, 1945, the date set for their embarkation for Russia, the group attempted mass suicide. American military police brought the macabre demonstration under control with the use of tear gas, but only after three had succeeded in hanging themselves. At Soviet insistence, the United States repatriated the rest, amid Soviet charges that American soldiers had wounded and tear gassed Soviet citizens to prevent their return home.3