NOW UNITED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 116, 17 April 1939, Page 7

NOW UNITED

ITALY AND ALBANIA. REASONS EOR SEIZURE. SURVEY OF SITUATION. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. ) ROME, April 15. Field-Marshal (lot-ring - (German Minister for Aviation), who is on a visit to Rome and Signor Mussolini, received a great ovation in the Chamber of Fascist Corporations to-day, to which Count Oiano (Foreign Minister) announced the union of Italy and Albania, lie declared that Albanians would now have prosperity and liberty. In file course of a long historical survey, Count Ciano claimed that Italy’s interest in Albania dated back to the third century l>efore Christ. “When I was in Yugoslavia in January,” he added, “I warned that Government that there might be modifications of Italy’s relations with King Zog, who attempted to spoil Italy's good relations with Yugoslavia and arbitrarily used Italian financial aid.

“Italy, nevertheless, continued to help the Albanians, building bridges and roads. Every industrial undertaking in Albania is Italian. The country has now spontaneously thrown off a sordid mediaeval tyranny. The welcome given to the Italian troops proved that the Dime’s policy was right. All Albanian cities are intact and unbombed. and all homes are standing. “I deplore the headlines in the foreign newspapers.” said Count Ciano. He then attacked the democracies and 6aid that any attempt to upset the union of Italy and Albania would he met by action. The destinies of Italy and Albania were forever linked. Cheering followed references to Japan’s friendship. NECESSITY FOR PACT. Count Ciano, in conclusion, said that Mr Chamberlain’s speech was based on unchecked reports and ignored history, but ltalv yas fully agreed with the Prime Minister regarding the necessity for maintaining the AngloItalian agreement, to which Italy attributed great value and was animated by an equal desire to maintain and observe all clauses as hitherto. Italy's relations with Greece were excellent. Incendiary attempts to provoke a major crisis had failed. The occupation of Albania signified greater assurances of European peace. The Chamber of Fascist Corporations passed by acclamation a Bill making King Victor Emanuel King of Albania.