ALBANIA AND ITALY

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22687, 17 April 1939, Page 10

ALBANIA AND ITALY

* “Destinies For Ever Linked” STATEMENT TO FASCIST CHAMBER (L NKKU I'BtaS ASSOCIATION - COPYRIGHT.) (Received April 16, 8,10 p.m.) ROME, April 15. Field-Marshal Goring and Signor Mussolini received a great ovation in the Chamber of Fascist Corporations to which the Italian Foreign Minister (Count Ciano) announced the union of Italy and Albania. He declared that the Albanians now have prosperity and liberty. In a long historical survey he claimed that Italy’s interest in Albania dated back to the third century before Christ. “When I was in Jugoslavia in January,” he added, “I warned the Government that there might be modifications of Italy’s relations with King Zog, who attempted to spoil Italy’s good relations with Jugoslavia, and arbitrarily used Italian financial aid. Yet Italy continued to help the Albanians, building bridges and roads. “Every' industrial undertaking is Italian. The country has spontaneously thrown off a sordid, mediaeval tyranny. The welcome the Italians were given proved that II Duce’s policy is right. “All the Albanian cities are intact, and were not bombed. All homes are standing. I deplore the headlines in foreign newspapers.” Count Ciano then attacked the democracies. He said that any attempt to upset the union of Italy and Albania would be met by action. The destinies of Italy and Albania were forever linked. Cheering followed references to Janan’s friendship. Count Ciano said in conclusion that Mr Chamberlain’s speech was based on unchecked reports and ignored history; but Italy fully agreed with the Prime Minister regarding the necessitv of maintaining the British and Italian agreement, to which Italy attributed great importance. A communique issued after a meeting of the Italian Cabinet announced that a high army residing in Tirana will represent Kink Victor Emmanuel as King of Albania. Thirty delegates from the Albanian Assemblv have left Tirana for Pomp to offer the Crown to King Victor. Six thousand, comprising Albania’s army, have been ordered to report to barracks to resume duty which was interrupted by the occupation. Albania has withdrawn from the League of Nations.

ALBANIAN MINISTER’S

ACTION

REFUSAL TO RECOGNISE NEW GOVERNMENT

(Received April 16, 8.10 p.m.)

LONDON, April 15.

The Albanian Minister in London (M. Lee Kurti) has sent a cable message to the puppet Government at Hirana stating that he refuses to recognise the regime and a government formed under the demina? tion of foreigners.

QUEEN GERALDINE FULLY

RECOVERED

LARISSA, April- 15. Queen Geraldine has completely recovered and has left hospital.

ALBANIAN CONSUL SHOT

SALONIKA, April 15.

An Albanian refugee officer in a fit Of 1 ' rage shot dead the Albanian .Consul and then committed suicide.