CONTROL OF ALBANIA

Grey River Argus, 12 February 1938, Page 6

CONTROL OF ALBANIA

ITS STRATEGICAL VALUE. \ One of the vital factors in the international situation of south-eastern Europe is Italy’s domination of Albania (writes a correspondent in the “Christian Science Monitor”). Formally, indeed, the relation between these two States is not one of domination and submission, but of cooperation. In appearance they are bound only by. friendship, just as France and Russia are, or Czechoslovakia and Rumania. But when an advanced and powerful empire is the friend of a little backward, poor country with 1,000,000 inhabitants, the stronger friend usually dominates. -Especially if the geographical position of the weaker one is of vital military importance. So it is not an exaggeration to say that Italy exercises control over Albania. However, this domination does not take the form of political dictation. Premier Mussolini cannot give orders to King Zog. Formally, Albania is independent. The Albanian nation is hostile to Italy, and if its Government was openly submissive that would arouse dangerous opposition. The army, police, Parliament, schools, and the civil service are directed >by the King.< He is their master. But he in turn has a master. The latter’s voice, however, is not raised in public—is not raised at all, as a matter of fact. It expresses itself in suggestions rather than in commands. King Zog very often rejects Italy’s desires. He never gives his great ally “carte blanche.” Sometimes, for whole months in succession, he shows almost complete independence. And he maintains cordial relations with other Powers. By no means are all of his foreign advisers Italians. Albania appears to be as independent as Asturia, another friend of Italy’s. Tirana is not overrun with Italians. Nor is any other Albanian city. A LONG, STRONG LEASH. Nevertheless, Rome exercises control and on fundamental points imposes its will. Premier Mussolini’s leash is a long one, but strong and secure. ■

One of its main strands is made of gold. Financially, Albania is dependent on Italy. She is supported by Italy. In the last analysis it is Italy’s money which has made progress in Albania possible. Even Albania’s exemplary order rests upon Italy’s financial help. In a new, primitive Balkan land, ‘ike Albania, there would be constant uprisings if the civil servants police, and army officers were not paid, but without Italy’s help they could not be paid regularly or in full. Italy’s aid comes through several ways, but mostly in the form of “loans,” which are actually gifts. For the most part they bear no interest and are not repaid. Italy simply sees that Albania’s State Budget is balanced. Since Rome foots the bills, she is exercising stricter and stricter control. In fact, she is paying some of them outright instead of handing over the money in lump sums.

Another source of Italian control is trade and economic development. A large part of the public works is done by Italian firms. They also control most of Albania’s oil fields. Through rather sweeping trade agreements they absorb a large part of Albania’s foreign commerce. The National Bank is dependent upon Italy: the prospective Agrarian Bank is to be organised and largely managed by Italians. One should not say that Albania is economically enslaved, but no ‘objective observer fails to note that the chief factor in Albania’s economic life is Italy.

IMPOSITION OF ORDER. A still more vital fact js the official right which Italy has gained to impose order in Albania according to the pact of alliance binding the two countries. Italy has the right to interfere whenever internal order is disturbed. As long as the Tirana Government is reasonably submissive Italy remains in the background and exercises its domination by means of that Government. But should it become too refractory Italy could intervene to restore tranquility. Or, suppose a group of Albanian patriots should lose patience and start a movement against the present pro-Italian Government. Italy could place 10,000 troops in Albania within twenty-four hours and would have the right to do so. Not less important than any of these facts is Italy’s military hold on Albania.' It is stated by both native and foreign observers who are said to have secured their information from “Intelligence Service,” that Italy has built powerful lines of fortifications in Albania, both in the north and east over against Yugoslavia. These fortifications are sufficiently, strong, it is said, to prevent any invasion by Yugoslav troops before Italy could throw an army into Albania. They are built into secure mountain positions and make Albania nearly, impregnable, it is claimed. DURAZZO A GOOD PORT. In addition, it must be pointed out that Italy has turned Albania’s chief harbour, Durazzo, into a good port A long, convenient pier has been completed so that Italian transport ships could dock there speedily and in great numbers. Ten hours after a soldier left Italy at Bari, he could be in a truck in Albania on the way to the fortifications. A network of good roads leads to them. A motorised army could get from Italy to the Albanian positions over against Yugoslavia within twenty-four hours To this must be added the fact that Italy completely controls, from the military point of view, Albania’s sec ond harbour, Valona. It is not pleasant to stress military facts, but one who wishes to understand European realities cannot neglect them. Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin once said, “England’s border is on the Rhine.” Italy is in Albania. , And it is certain that Italy will not voluntarily relinquish it. Naturally, little Albania must make the best of this situation. And, on the whole, that is not Ap difficult Italy brings many benefits. .The hand Rome extends to her little k ally is mailed, but it also contains ®ld, culture, and protection. .. * -