Vanco Mihailov

[VMRO]

IVAN MIHAILOV WAS NOT A REVOLUTIONARY, HE WAS A KILLER AND A GANGSTER

Source: MACEDONIA: Its place in Balkan power politics - Elizabeth Barker

[Soldier of Macedon]

Originally Posted by VMRO

Vancho Mihajlov playing dressups (Cosplay circa 1920's) He never dared step foot in any of the occupied regions of Macedonia nor did he see any combat.

Todor Aleksandrov had many flaws. He was implicated in the murders of both Jane Sandanski and Gjorce Petrov. At times, he was power-hungry and his ideological perspectives on certain issues pertaining to Macedonia were tainted. He did try to make amends towards the end of his life, but he failed to shake off his inconsistencies and become the true leader that the Macedonians needed. Although he did have some redeemable qualities and was generally a better person than Ivan Mihailov (not a difficult feat), he also bears some responsibility for creating the monster that succeeded him and, ironically, arranged for his murder. Some may disagree, but I still think Aleksandrov has a place in the pantheon of Macedonian revolutionaries, albeit not on the same level as Sandanski and Petrov, let alone Goce Delcev.

As for Mihailov, he was little more than a remorseless coward and remained so until the last grunt of his utterly pathetic life. He relied on the deeds of others, often naive followers who believed they were acting in the service of the Macedonian cause, to claim glory (and infamy) for himself. He was largely unknown by the local population in the parts of Macedonia that were occupied by Serbia and Greece and was hated by large segments of the Macedonian population in Pirin, upon whom he exacted a miserable existence. He lacked grassroots support and paraded around as an advocate of Macedonian independence whilst maintaining his grip on power through the assistance of his benefactors in the government and army of Bulgaria. He too, has a place in the abovementioned pantheon - under the boot of Delcev.

[VMRO]

Originally Posted by Soldier of Macedon

Todor Aleksandrov had many flaws. He was implicated in the murders of both Jane Sandanski and Gjorce Petrov. At times, he was power-hungry and his ideological perspectives on certain issues pertaining to Macedonia were tainted. He did try to make amends towards the end of his life, but he failed to shake off his inconsistencies and become the true leader that the Macedonians needed. Although he did have some redeemable qualities and was generally a better person than Ivan Mihailov (not a difficult feat), he also bears some responsibility for creating the monster that succeeded him and, ironically, arranged for his murder. Some may disagree, but I still think Aleksandrov has a place in the pantheon of Macedonian revolutionaries, albeit not on the same level as Sandanski and Petrov, let alone Goce Delcev.

As for Mihailov, he was little more than a remorseless coward and remained so until the last grunt of his utterly pathetic life. He relied on the deeds of others, often naive followers who believed they were acting in the service of the Macedonian cause, to claim glory (and infamy) for himself. He was largely unknown by the local population in the parts of Macedonia that were occupied by Serbia and Greece and was hated by large segments of the Macedonian population in Pirin, upon whom he exacted a miserable existence. He lacked grassroots support and paraded around as an advocate of Macedonian independence whilst maintaining his grip on power through the assistance of his benefactors in the government and army of Bulgaria. He too, has a place in the abovementioned pantheon - under the boot of Delcev.

I don't believe Aleksandrov can be held responsible for creating the monster that people came to know as Vancho Mihajlov.
There are letters from Aleksandrov to Mihajlov holding him to blame for laziness, spending the organisations money, opening his mail and other breaches of trust.

Aleksandrov in my opinion if he lived a little longer was prepared to exclude Mihajlov from VMRO.


Here is a letter from Aleksandrov to Mihajlov mentioning some of the above criticisms:

CRITICAL NOTES AGAINST IVAN MIHAJLOV BY TODOR ALEKSANDROV

Letter from M. Hristov (Todor Aleksandrov) to Brezov (Ivan Mihailov) dated November 26, 1923.

Dear Brezov,

Your distraction in the past has often been the reason why organizational work is not done on time. I remember that for some things I had to write 2-3 times. No one else opened and handed over or asked open letters about me or my letters to others, and you did this very often and 2-3 times I was forced to make a note to you.
Until June 9, there was an excuse for you: a) that you are overworked and b) the persecution of friends.
But even after a few bursts, I caught your attention:
1. To put order in the walks and to save the people's money.
2. Do not walk often with cars and carriages and do not measure yourself often in Alcazar and others. Similar establishments (People close to the organization said about you: "The one who doesn't get on his feet", or: "The one who doesn't get out of a car or a carriage.")
3. To order the monetary issue with Pandov and Petyofi and to make savings, etc., etc.
Considering your great distraction, the fact that you live in an apartment where there is a woman - a thief, who suffered from blue eyes and scurvy, rumours from our relatives that you caught a bad stalemate, I'm afraid you will cut yourself and you will expose the organization, it is necessary:
1. To find time - after returning from the upcoming tour - to turn your bills in order and hand them over to the accountant.
2. You should not handle the distribution of money, but receive money from the host.
3. Be careful not to leave the most important things unfinished, as is the case with the Berkman letter.
4. To pay more attention to public opinion and to adjust your life to the situation you occupy in IMRO - Secretary of the Temporary Foreign Representation.
All this is necessary) for the interests of your IMRO martial Macedonia and b) for you personally to keep the good name you said after the great merits you brought to the Macedonian organization in very difficult days, which you continue to bring now.

With many cordial greetings: M. Hristov

КРИТИЧКИ ЗАБЕЛЕШКИ ПРОТИВ ИВАН МИХАЈЛОВ ОД ТОДОР АЛЕКСАНДРОВ

Писмо од М.Христов (Тодор Александров) до Брезов (Иван Михаилов) од 26 ноември 1923 година. Критички белешки против Иван Михаилов

Почитуван Брезов,

Вашето одвраќање во минатото често беше причина поради која организациската работа не се извршува навреме. Се сеќавам дека за некои работи морав да пишувам 2-3 пати. Никој друг не отвораше и предаваше или прашуваше отворени писма за мене или моите писма до други, а ти го правеше тоа многу често и 2-3 пати бев принуден да ти забележам.
До 9 јуни имаше оправдување за тебе: а) дека си преморен и б) прогон на пријатели.
Но, и по неколку рафали, ви го привлеков вниманието:
1. Да се ​​стави ред во прошетките и да се штедат народните пари.
2. Не шетајте често со коли и кочии и не се мерите често во Алказар и други. Слични претпријатија (Луѓето блиски до организацијата рекоа за вас: „Оној што не се крева на нозе“, или: „Оној што не излегува од автомобил или од кочија.“)
3. Да се ​​нарача паричната емисија кај Пандов и Петјофи и да се заштеди итн итн.
Со оглед на твојата голема расеаност, тоа што живееш во стан во кој има жена - крадец, која боледувала од сини очи и скорбут, гласини од нашите роднини дека си фатил лош ќор-сокак, се плашам дека ќе се исечеш и ќе ја изложите организацијата, потребно е:
1. Да најдете време - по враќањето од претстојната тура - да ги превртите сметките и да му ги предадете на сметководителот.
2. Не треба да се занимавате со распределбата на парите, туку да добивате пари од домаќинот.
3. Внимавајте да не ги оставите најважните работи недовршени, како што е случајот со писмото Беркман.
4. Да посветиш повеќе внимание на јавното мислење и да си го прилагодиш животот на ситуацијата што ја заземаш во ВМРО - секретар на привременото претставништво за странство.
Сето тоа е потребно) за интересите на вашата ВМОРО воена Македонија и б) за вие лично да го задржите доброто име што го кажавте по големите заслуги што ги донесовте во македонската организација во многу тешки денови, кои продолжувате да ги носите сега.

Со многу срдечни поздрави: (н) М. Христов

[Soldier of Macedon]

Originally Posted by VMRO

I don't believe Aleksandrov can be held responsible for creating the monster that people came to know as Vancho Mihajlov.

I do not think he was entirely responsible. Some of the blame rests with those who blindly followed Mihailov. Much of the blame rests with Volkov and the other enablers, along with Mihailov's own demented and bloodthirsty character. Clearly, Aleksandrov did not intend to create the monster, but to absolve him of any responsibility would be unreasonable. After all, it was Aleksandrov who hired Mihailov to become his secretary, thus providing him with a platform from which he could impose his influence on others and eventually usurp the leadership. When it came to dealing with Macedonians who opposed him on ideological grounds, Aleksandrov was not always a model example to be followed. Yet, Mihailov not only observed and followed, he took it to a disturbing new level. The lapse in character judgement and failure to grasp the evolution of Mihailov not only cost Aleksandrov his life, but also the lives of many other Macedonians.

There are letters from Aleksandrov to Mihajlov holding him to blame for laziness, spending the organisations money, opening his mail and other breaches of trust. Aleksandrov in my opinion if he lived a little longer was prepared to exclude Mihajlov from VMRO.

Perhaps, but from the time that letter was sent, it would be another 9 months before Aleksandrov was murdered. If he was so upset with him in November ’23, why did he not get rid of him before August ’24? Are there more letters subsequent to the one you have already posted so a pattern can be established in the lead up to Aleksandrov's demise?

[VMRO]

Originally Posted by Soldier of Macedon

I do not think he was entirely responsible. Some of the blame rests with those who blindly followed Mihailov. Much of the blame rests with Volkov and the other enablers, along with Mihailov's own demented and bloodthirsty character. Clearly, Aleksandrov did not intend to create the monster, but to absolve him of any responsibility would be unreasonable. After all, it was Aleksandrov who hired Mihailov to become his secretary, thus providing him with a platform from which he could impose his influence on others and eventually usurp the leadership. When it came to dealing with Macedonians who opposed him on ideological grounds, Aleksandrov was not always a model example to be followed. Yet, Mihailov not only observed and followed, he took it to a disturbing new level. The lapse in character judgement and failure to grasp the evolution of Mihailov not only cost Aleksandrov his life, but also the lives of many other Macedonians.

Perhaps, but from the time that letter was sent, it would be another 9 months before Aleksandrov was murdered. If he was so upset with him in November ’23, why did he not get rid of him before August ’24? Are there more letters subsequent to the one you have already posted so a pattern can be established in the lead up to Aleksandrov's demise?

I agree, Aleksandrov should share some blame for keeping Mihajlov in the secretary role. Mihajlov through that position had access to the mail addressed to Aleksandrov and provide Cankov information behind the organisations and Aleksandrov's back.

At this stage this is the only letter I have, the source is from Kiril Prlichev was found himself opposing Mihajlov after witnessing first hand what he was doing to VMRO.

Below is from Hristo Uzunov's brother Angel Uzunov's memoirs confirming parts of the Aleksandrov letter.

He claims that Aleksandrov called Mihajlov "Zaboravenko" and accused him of spending the organisations money which probably was the reason why Mihajlov became angry at Aleksandrov which is why he had a hand in his demise.

ANGEL UZUNOV (BROTHER OF HRISTO UZUNOV) BELIEVED MIHAJLOV WAS BEHIND ALEKSANDROV'S MURDER.

"After learning about Alexandrov's murder, I assumed it was Mihajlov's work. Because, probably, he allied with the government which, fearing negotiations with the Bolsheviks, was looking for allies who would eliminate and remove VMRO from that path '. Perhaps Mihajlov, as a junior, saw himself as the most suitable, and also participated in the persecution of farmers. It is very likely that Tsankov knew that Alexandrov did not have a very good opinion of Mihajlov and that he called him "forgotten one", accused him of spending money on the Organization and so on. All this, I suppose, probably made Mihajlov angry against him and that is why ..."

Memories - Angel Uzunov - p.. 276-277

Откако дознав за убивството на Александров, јас препоставив дека тоа беше дело на Михајлов. Зашто, веројатно, тој се здружил со владата која, плашејќи се од преговорите со болшевиците, бараше сојузници што ќе ја елиминираат и ќе ја остранат ВМРО од тој пат'. Можеби Михајлов, како помлад, им се видел како најсоодветен, а и учестувал во прогонот на земјоделците. Многу е веројатно дека Цанков знаеше дека Александров нема многу добро мислење за Михајлов и чето го нарекуваше "заборавенко", го обинуваше за трошење пари на Органазицијата и така натамy. Цето тоа, претпоставувам, веројатно го беше озлобило Михајлов против него и затоа...

Спомени - Ангел Узунов - ст 276-277

[VMRO]

"But we Macedonians have lived through hard times, for you Serbs were very harsh.”
"We were harsh because the revolutionaries had friends among you, said the Serb. ‘Yet we respected Todor Alexandrov; but that Mihailov ... bah!"

Source: Bulgarian Conspiracy - J Swire p.52

[VMRO]

MACEDONIANS HAD NO GOOD WORD FOR MIHAJLOV

"The people talked with pride of Sandanski, Alexandrov, and Protogerov; but for Mihailov they had no good word".

Source: Bulgarian Conspiracy - J Swire p.51

[VMRO]

Georgi Pop Hristov and Petar Shandanov openly blame Vancho Mihajlov for breaching the VMRO rules when he ordered the killing of Aleksandar Protogerov who was a member of the Central Committee.

INVITATION

Dear Brothers!

On July 7 and 8, he was ambushed and killed in the middle of Sofia, art. from the Central Committee of VMRO. Alexander Protogerov by order of his comrade Ivan Mihailov. With this act of his, Iv. Mihailov has placed himself outside the laws of the VMRO, because as you know from the rules of the VMRO, the members of the C.K. are responsible for their affairs only to Congress. The bullets that shot through Al's body. Protogerov and his faithful comrade Atanas Gotsev, simultaneously shot the tortured force of the whole of Macedonia; they shot the morale and discipline in the organization, they shot the interests of Macedonia — its dear name; shot down the laws of the VMRO, and the vote of the Vlth regular Congress, in which Alexander Protogerov was re-elected as an art. of the Central Committee of VMRO.

Deeply believing that the Macedonian people will continue to serve only Macedonia and not individuals, we appeal to you for complete unanimity, unity and obedience to the legitimate authorities of the V.M.R.O. and not to the breakaways.

Justice and truth will prevail. They are with us. Be of good cheer, dear brothers, and do not change your oath.

Long live the freedom fighters of Macedonia!

Down with tyranny!

ПОКАНА

Почитувани браќа!

На 7 и 8 јули бил од заседа и убиен среде Софија, чл. од ЦК на ВМРО. Александар Протогеров по наредба на неговиот другар Иван Михаилов. Со овој негов чин Ив. Михаилов се стави надвор од законите на ВМРО, бидејќи како што знаете од правилникот на ВМРО, членовите на Ц.К. се одговорни за нивните работи само пред Конгресот. Куршумите кои пукаа низ телото на Ал. Протогеров и неговиот верен другар Атанас Гоцев, истовремено ја застрелаа измачената сила на цела Македонија; го застрелаа моралот и дисциплината во организацијата, ги застрелаа интересите на Македонија — нејзиното драго име; ги собори законите на ВМРО и гласањето на Влтиот редовен конгрес, на кој Александар Протогеров беше реизбран за уметност. на ЦК на ВМРО.

Длабоко верувајќи дека македонскиот народ ќе продолжи да и служи само на Македонија, а не на поединци, апелираме до вас на целосно едногласност, единство и послушност кон легитимните власти на В.М.Р.О., а не кон отцепените.

Правдата и вистината ќе надвладеат. Тие се со нас. Бидете расположени, драги браќа, и не менувајте ја вашата заклетва.

Да живеат борците за слобода на Македонија!

Долу тиранијата!

[VMRO]

July 7, 1928



At 7 PM. during the night, Alexander Protogerov, a member of the Central Committee of the VMRO temporarily residing abroad, was killed. The murder was carried out on the order of the member of the Central Committee, Ivan Mihailov.

According to the statutes of VMRO, the three members of the Central Committee have equal rights and equal responsibilities. The Central Committee as a whole and each individual member are responsible for their affairs only to the Congress. A member of the Central Committee cannot, therefore, pass judgment on a comrade. This cannot be done in any organization, not even in VMRO. With this accession to the statutes of the Organization, Ivan Mihailov has placed himself outside its laws.
Again, according to the statutes of the Organization, after the death of a member of the Central Committee, the deceased is immediately replaced by the first reserve member. In this case, this is Petar Shandanov.

Thus reconstructed, the Central Committee announces that it, together with the Overseas Representation and in full agreement with it, will continue to work for the liberation of Macedonia until the convening of the future congress. The Central Committee asks the public not to judge the VMRO based on the actions of Ivan Mihailov. During its thirty-five years of existence, VMRO has given evidence that it is not an anarchist group, but is governed by its legal, equally binding for all, large and small institutes, for all its members.

The Central Committee hopes that the civilized world will support the liberation work of our Motherland - Macedonia, with its sympathies, as it has been until now and in the future.

Central Committee of VMRO

/Signed./ Georgi P. Hristov

/signed./ Petar Shandanov

7 јули 1928 година


Во 19 ч. во текот на ноќта е убиен Александар Протогеров, член на ЦК на ВМРО со привремен престој во странство. Убиството е извршено по наредба на членот на ЦК Иван Михаилов.

Според статутот на ВМРО, тројцата членови на ЦК имаат еднакви права и еднакви одговорности. Централниот комитет како целина и секој поединечен член се одговорни за своите работи само пред Конгресот. Според тоа, член на ЦК не може да му суди на другарот. Тоа не може да се прави во ниту една организација, па ни во ВМРО. Со ова пристапување кон статутот на Организацијата, Иван Михаилов се стави надвор од нејзините закони.
Повторно, според статутот на Организацијата, по смртта на член на ЦК, покојникот веднаш се заменува со првиот резервен член.Во овој случај тоа е Петар Шанданов.

Вака реконструиран ЦК најавува дека заедно со Задграничното претставништво и во целосна согласност со него ќе продолжи да работи за ослободување на Македонија до свикувањето на идниот конгрес.ЦК бара јавноста да не суди за ВМРО врз основа на постапките на Иван Михаилов. Во текот на своето триесет и пет години постоење, ВМРО даде докази дека не е анархистичка група, туку е управувана од нејзините законски, подеднакво обврзувачки за сите, големи и мали институти, за сите нејзини членови.

ЦК се надева дека цивилизираниот свет со своите симпатии ќе го поддржи ослободителното дело на нашата Татковина - Македонија, како што било досега и во иднина.

ЦК на ВМРО

/под./ Георги стр. Христов

/под./ Петар Шанданов

[Liberator of Makedonija]

Originally Posted by VMRO

Georgi Pop Hristov and Petar Shandanov openly blame Vancho Mihajlov for breaching the VMRO rules when he ordered the killing of Aleksandar Protogerov who was a member of the Central Committee.

In which year was this issued?