ITALY'S EASTER COUP

Evening Star, Issue 23237, 10 April 1939, Page 11

ITALY'S EASTER COUP

Armed Occupation of Albania Fascists in Complete Control Count Ciano Establishes New Government Press Association—By Telegraph-Copyright I p LONDON, April 9. After hours without fresh news from Albania, a message flashed from Rome announced that the Italians had entered Tirana at 8.30 a.m. G.M.T., and that a Provisional Government was being established immediately. The Italian Foreign Minister (Count Ciano), who arrived at Tirana piloting his own plane, is supervising the formation of the new Government, in which there will be no Minister of Defence or Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Albania henceforth will defend on Italy for these offices. The Tirana- radio station broadcast the Italian Anthem, signifying that the occupation had been completed. . The prefect of Koritza in the vicinity of the Greek frontier has placed himself at the disposal of General Guzzoni, the com- , man tier of the Italian forces, and is awaiting the arrival of the ■ Italians. Apart from incidental skirmishing the conquest of Albania has been completed. Elbasas, the last city resisting, has been occupied, the Albanians laying down their arms. Officers are reported to be offering to serve Italy. After a triumphal parade. Count Ciano addressed a delegation of notable persons. “II Duce,” he said, intends to give orders for welfare and progress within the framework of the national life.” A prominent Albanian replied, expressing devotion to Italy. The distribution of food and clothing from Fascist welfare centres has commenced. Signor Mussolini has thanked the Yugoslavian Government for its attitude during the Albanian crisis. A message from Tirana states that the Italians have entered Scutari, near the Yugoslavian border. A message from Rome stales that an. entire regiment was transported by air to Tirana from Taranto. It is reported that the populace cheered the troops, entering Tirana, where the newspapers issued special editions and proclaimed that “the friendly Fascists under General Guzzoni have established a new. order in Albania.” Many notable Albanian people called at the Italian Legation to “pay their homage to Italy and II Duce.” ■ 1