“DESTINIES LINKED”

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 April 1939, Page 5

“DESTINIES LINKED”

ALBANIA AND ITALY. [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] ROME, April 15. Field-Marshal Goering 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. 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 Ja-

pan’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 necessity of maintaining the British and Italian agreement, to which Italy attributed great importance. Thirty delegates from the Albanian Assembly have left Tirana for Rome, to offer the Crown to King Victor. MINISTER’S PROTEST. 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 domination of foreigners. ALBANIAN CONSUL SHOT SALONIKA, April 15. An Albanian refugee officer in a fit of rage shot dead the Albanian Consul and then committed suicide.

ACCEPTANCE OF THRONE ROME, April 16. King Victor Emmanuel accepted the throne of Albania, at a brilliant ceremony in the Throne Room, where he received the Albanian delegation, headed by the new premier, Shefkat Verlack.