KING ZOG

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

KING ZOG

DECLARED AN OUTLAW ARRIVAL AT SALONIKA ' REUNITED WITH'QUEEN LONDON, April 9. A communique issued at Tirana after its occupation by Italian, troops says that King Zog crossed the frontier in the vicinity of Korich'a, apparently en route for Athens. The Italians have decided to outlaw King Zog, who will be tried if found in Albania. A message from Fiorina states that King Zog arrived there, ostensibly en route to visit Queen Geraldine, He was accompanied .by 30 officers, dishevelled 'and unshaven, and a number of high civil servants and iyvomen. King Zog was wearing civilian clothes, and he looked strained and weary. ■ King Zog was reported later to have arrived at Salonika, to which place Queen Geraldine and her newly-born son, the Crown Prince of Albania, had preceded him. “ The world must do something for my Albania,” declared Queen Geraldine from her sick-bed in an hotel. Zog asked her to give word when she reached a place of sanctuary. Queen Geraldine’s grandmother, Madame Denka, recounted a nightmare journey of 18 hours to Fiorina. She said: “ Although the Queen was still ill after thq birth of her son, King Zog decided that she must leave. She pleaded unsuccessfully to be allowed to remain at his side.- As we hurriedly packed Italian aeroplanes were Hying over Tirana, 'dropping leaflets. The King was already at the front directing th« resistance outside Durazzo. Our party included all King Zog’s sisters and the wives and children of members of the Cabinet.” QUEEN'S HEALTH SATISFACTORY SALONIKA, April 9. (Received April 10, at 10.15 a.m.) Queen Geraldine’s health is satisfactory. ITALIAN FORCES IN ALBANIA t . ■ ROME, April 9. (Received April 10, at 8 a.m.) The Italian forces in Albania consist of four regiments of Bersaglieri, one infantry division, and three tank battalions, also artillery, service corps detachments, and 38-1 aeroplanes. Italians who left Albania before the invasion are invited to return.

TEMPORARY CABINET FORMED HOMAGE To> MUSSOLINI LONDON. April 9. (Received April 10, at 10.15 a.m.) The British United Press correspondent at Tirana says an Italian motorised column occupied Argyrocastro. The British United Press correspondent at Rome says a temporary Cabinet of leading Albanians, formed to administer Albanian affairs, telegraphed paying homage to Signor Mussolini and welcoming the glorious Italian army. It is hopefully awaiting the execution of Count Ciauo’s programme of “ order, prosperity, and justice.” A Tirana message says the President of the Provisional Government lias circularised prefects and -sub-prefects throughout the country appealing for •obedience to the Italian troops and ordering-that they be received warmly and respectfully. STRONG RESISTANCE ENCOUNTERED IN SOUTHERN ALBANIA BELGRADE, April 9. (Received April 10, at 11 a.m) It is reported that 12,000 Albanians are strenuously resisting the Italian advance in Southern Albania. GERMANY WILL SUPPORT ITALY PRESS GIBES AT BRITAIN AND FRANCE LONDON, April 9. According to messages from Berlin, the German Press emphasises Germany’s determination to support Italy to the utmost, and gibes at the British and French “ indecision, nervousness, and resignation.” THE ITALIAN PUBLIC HO EXCITEMENT APPARENT LONDON, April 8. The Rome correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says that the occupation of Albania .came like a bolt from the blue for the general public, among which there was no excitement. DURAZZO AND VALONA SHELLED LONDON, April 8. The Albanians’ News Agency at Tirana states that Durazzo was shelled four times. Valona was shelled tjyice and bombed from the air thrice. Sanitocpinrnnta was bonibed thrice from the air, and shelled thrice from the sea. Sail Giovanni Di Medua was reduced to ruins. Heavy casualties among tho population are reported.

PORTS FOR ITALIAN NAVY HOME, April 7. When the Italian troops were advancing operations were halted by the arrival of an Albanian delegation bearing new proposals from King Zog. General Guzzoiii, who is commanding the Italian force, transmitted the proposals to Home, The official agency issued a communique stating that King Zog’s Government departed from Tirana for an unknown destination, after which heavy shooting broke out in the city, particularly in the vicinity of the Italian Legation, in which the Minister’s staff was armed ready for defence. Mustapha Kraja, King Zog’s exiled political adversary, earlier confirmed the impression prevailing in Home that whatever form of Government Italy imposed on Albania she would insist on deposing King Zog. The Italian Government has always kept in the closest touch wdtb Kraja. Italy apparently alms to secure privileges similar to those Britain has in Egypt, consisting essentially of the use of. Albanian ports for the Italian navy and the right to establish Italian garrisons at certain key ports. Apart from this, Albania will probably continue its existence as an independent State. YUGOSLAVIA’S ATTITUDE FAITH IN ITALY'S ASSURANCES LONDON, April 9. It is reported from Belgrade that the ‘ Politika ’/ publishes an officiallyinspired denial that Yugoslavia is taking precautionary measures as a result of the Italian invasion. “ Yugoslavia is constantly in touch with Home,” the report states. “ Italy has shown her readiness to safeguard our interests, and has given an assurance that all measures against Albania are of a provisional character, and a normal situation will be restored as soon as Italy obtains satisfaction and her interests are safeguarded.” NO ACTION BY FRANCE PARIS, April 8. It is considered improbable that any active stand will be taken at present in relation to Albania. PARIS ON THE ALERT GATHERING OF STATESMEN AND DEFENCE LEADERS , ; PARTS, April 9. (Received April 10, at 11 a.m.) M. Daladier interrupted his holiday at Rambouillet and returned to Paris. He summoned the following to meet at the War Ministry at. 5 p.m.r-M. la Chamhre (Minister of Air), M. Campinchi (Minister,of the Navy), General Gamelin, Field-commander General Geroges, the' Air Chief (General Vuillemin), and the Chief of Naval Operations (Vice-Admiral Parian). M. Bonnet initiated this sudden activity after telephoning to the British Embassy. He returned to Paris from his country home and telephoned M. Daladier urging him to return. M. ■ Bonnet saw Sir Eric Phipps, after which he reported to M. Lebrun. TWO HOURS’ CONFERENCE. PARIS, April 9. (Received April 10, at 1.15 p.m.) M. Daladicr’s conference with the defence chiefs lasted for two hours.

ORDER RESTORED IN TIRANA LONDON, April 9. The Italian News Agency from Tirana reports that armed bands released convicts during the night, and they sacked the Royal Palace and the residences of King Zog’a sisters. Roving gangs kept the city in a state of panic throughout the night, firing rifles and looting. At one period they threatened the Italian Legation, but withdrew. The gendarmerie, assisted by Italians and citizen volunteers, finally restored order and arrested several marauders. The wireless, telegraph, and telephone services with Tirana were restored shortly after the arrival of the invaders. Armed bands who up to now have resisted outside the city are reported to be converging on Tirana and surrendering their arms. DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD AND CLOTHING TIRANA, April 9. (Received April 10, at ll a.m.) An Italian vessel arrived at Durazzo with food and clothing for distribution to the populace. COUNT CIANO RETURNS TO ROME ROME, April 9. (Received April 10, at 10 a.m.) Count Ciano arrived by air frpm Tirana. He later received Lord Perth.

QUESTION OF TREATY INFRINGEMENT DR GAYDA'S ANALYSIS ROME, April 9. (Received April 10, at 11.30 a.m.) Dr Gayda, in ‘ Voce d-’lfealia,’ referring to the suggestion that the invasion of Albania infringes the letter and spirit of the Anglo-Italian agreement, says: “ Perhaps- Britain is never satisfied and intends to extend her encirclement policy to the Adriatic against Italy, as she is doing against Germany. Italy does not recognise any yital Anglo-French ‘ interests in Albania. Italy has no intention of violating for any reason either the spirit or the letter of the agreement. If Britain wishes to have a different opinion she can take the consequences.” MANNING OF DUTCH FRONTIERS THE PEOPLE REASSURED LONDON, April 8. (Received April 10, at 8 a.m.) The correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ at The Hague says that, in order to reassure the people as a result of the alarm arising from the manning of the frontiers, , a Government communique states that the situation should not give rise to serious concern at present.