ABSTRACT
The effectiveness of the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) was directly dependent on the accumulated funds – their lack significantly limited the possibilities of action. Developing an organisational network abroad, conducting propaganda campaigns, publishing magazines, political lobbying, travelling and even daily correspondence required stable financing. Money was not only the basis of the activity of OUN in different countries, but also constituted one of the key elements linking the conflicted Ukrainian emigration and the so-called “base” (operating on the territory of Poland). By analysing the correspondence, it can be concluded that the organisation was under constant reconstruction and cyclically faced crises, which were connected to the financial situation. The organisation was financially dependent on external factors. Moreover, the establishment of the OUN coincided with the outbreak of the Great Depression, which not only affected Ukrainian emigration overseas but also led to the impoverishment of Ukrainians in Europe. The economic collapse significantly limited the expected revenues. This caused uncertainty and the inability to draw far-reaching plans. Financial problems and attempts to solve them were the most frequently discussed issue in letters exchanged between members of the OUN.
