ALBANIA ANNEXED BY ITALY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23779, 10 April 1939, Page 9

ALBANIA ANNEXED BY ITALY

ARMED INVASION OCCUPATION COMPLETED PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT COUNT CIANO IN CHARGE (United Press Association) ' \ . (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) J[X:' :. : l ''''':■■-,-y : :■■■. LONDON, April 9. . ;/";.!.'■;' * (Received April 9, at 10 p.m.) After hours withoutfresh 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. We v'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 Deftnce or Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Albania henceforth will depend on Italy for these offices. The Tirana radio station broadcast the Italian Anthem, signilying 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 commander 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 Jugoslavian Government for its attitude during the Albanian crisis. A message from Tirana states that the Italians have ' entered Scutari, near the Jugoslavian border. s; A message from Rome states 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 ulindee 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." GUARANTEE TO GREECE "SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION OF MOVE IN BRITAIN THE ANGLO-ITALIAN TREATY ■> "•• ■'■;■. • :■' ■ • (United ;Press Association) .. , , /,W (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) *'''"' '"*?," .","" '"' ' ' : - LONDON < Apt; 9. V r ' (Received Apl. 9, at 10 pirn.) It; is stated that the Cabinet at an early date will discuss an immediate guarantee to Greece against aggression and , the denunciation of the Anglo-Italian Treaty. The Sunday Times says: "The Italian action is a direct violation of the treaty. The maintenance of Greek and Turkish independence is most urgent. Both are greatly perturbed over the invasion of Albania and the concentration of troops in the'Dodecanese Islands. Responsible quarters express the opinion that an attack on Greece would bring immediate aid from Britain."

KING ZOG FLEES i DECLARED AN OUTLAW ARRIVAL AT SALONIKA REUNITED: WITH QUEEN ; '_■■■■■•■; -*. LONDON, Apl. 9. (Received Apl. 9, at 10.30 p.m.) A communique issued at Tirana after its occupation by Italian troops says that King Zog crossed, the frontier in the vicinity of Koricha, apparently en route for Athens.. The Italians have decided to outlaw King Zflg, who will be tried if found in Albania. " A message from Fiorina states that King Zog. arrived there, ostensibly en route $0 visit Queen Geraldine. He was accompanied by 30 officers, dishevelled and unshaven, and a number of high civil servants and wonien. 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 hcwly-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. .King 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 the 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 flying over Tirana, dropping -leaflets. The King was already at the front directing the resistance outside Durazzo. Our party included all King Zog's sisters, andthe wives, and children of members of" the Cabinet.". %y

GERMAN APPROVAL ITALIAN INVASION LEADERS CONSULT BEFORE MOVE ATTITUDE TO WESTERN POWERS BERLIN, Apl. 7. The Official News Agency says:— " Political circles entirely approve the Italian invasion. Italy cannot permit a persistent source of disorder on an opposite coast of the Adriatic menacing Italian residents and destroying general peace Germany is in the fullest agreement with the measures for the protection of Italian interests, and Germany cannot understand or approve any desire on the part of the democratic western Powers having no interests in that region to intervene in the incontestably correct position and action of our axis partner. So few complications are expected that Easter leave for troops and Ministers' holidays have not been disturbed. The Official Spokesman, said the Fuhrer would naturally keep in closest touch, not only with the situation created by Poland's support of the British encirclement policy, but also with Albanian developments. One could rest assured that Herr Keitel had made contact with the Fuhrer after the discussions with M. Pariani. Whatever counter-measure Germany might contemplate, it probably could not be expected during the Easter holidays. It is understood that Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini had a long telephone conversation before the Italian move. Germany regards both the invasion of Albania and General Franco's adherence to the Anticomintern Pact, the announcement of which was withheld until Italy's invasion in order to secure the maximum effect, as " encircling the encirclers."

ITALIAN VIEWPOINT EXPLANATION OF ACTION UNREST IN ALBANIA THREATENING DEMONSTRATIONS ROME, Apl. 7. A communique, issued to-night, stated: "Faced with the usual accumulation of ridiculous, ; fantastic news, in which foreign anti-Fascists excel, an Italian radio station has broadcast in all languages the first and last communique. The news circulated abroad regarding the operations in Albania is so fantastic that it is hardly worth denying, especially as the method is the same as was used in the Ethiopian war. It has been known and proved that the Fascist regime always'. follows one method—that of always speaking the truth." The former Prefect of Durazzo, on his arrival at Bari, broadcast an appeal to the Albanians not to resist further.

An official communique from Rome explaining Italy's action states: "During the last few days, while conversations have been in progress between the Italian Government and King Zog for the conclusion of new close accord, at Tirana and elsewhere threatening demonstrations occurred, headed by armed bands, seriously endangering the personal safety of Italians residing in Albania. On the morning of April 6 our ships brought back to the Fatherland several hundreds of our fellow citizers from Durazzo and Valona, including women and children. Last night detachments of Italian troops departed from Brindisi and Bari. At the same time the first naval squadron sailed at dawn and was patrolling the Albanian coast from Santiquaranta to San Giovanni Di Medua. An air squadron was also mobilised." King Zog Condemned Dr Gayda, writing in the Giornale d'ltalia, says: "King Zog's activities have strained Italian-Albanian relations in recent months. King Zog wished to rule as a feudal tyrannical lord, unmindful of the elementary needs of the people. He was greedy for money for his own caprices and ambitions. He was an irresponsible animator of internal discord and international intrigue. King Zog was also the implacable enemy of Albanians not belonging to his political gang. It is alleged that King Zog planned a coup against Jugoslavia in order to disturb Italian-Jugo-slavian relations. Italy's intervention has restored Albanian peace and order and civil liberty, which have been seriously compromised. This action cannot alarm neighbouring States with which friendly collaboration and assurance of Balkan peace are desired. It was in response to the desire of the masses of the Albanian people." It was intended that King Zog should remain on the throne, but Albania will become an integral part of the Italian empire. A communique states that landings at Valona, Durazzo and San Giovanni Di Medua were carried out without any reaction worthy of mention.

The British United Press correspondent at Rome says that the despatch cf trooos followed a breakdown in Italo-Albania negotiations at Tirana. King Zog took a strong stand. It is believed that after the Albanian Minister in Rome (M. Sereggi) last night informed Count Ciano that King Zog insisted on the preservation of an outward form of independence before the Italian demands were acceptable, Count Ciano handed over a reply, tantamount to an ultimatum, that Italy was then prepared to send troops. Small Army Albania's standing army totals only 12,000. A communique says that the first Italy knew of the projected invasion was when Italian residents in Albania received orders from their consuls to pack up and to prepare to return to Italv. Italian newspapers published special editions announcing the deDarture of troops in flaring headlines. NO EXCITEMENT IN ITALY LONDON, Apl. 8. (Received Apl. 9, at 8 d m.) The Rome correspondent of Thp Times says that the occupation of Albania came like a bolt from the blue for the general public, a >ng which there was no excitement. "BARBAROUS ACTION » ALBANIAN LEGATION'S PROTEST PARIS, Apl. 7. A communique issued by the Albanian Legation states that in the name of the Government and the entire people it emphatically protests against Italy's barbarous nctinn "The Albanian Parliament," the communique continues, " having last evening unanimously rejected an ultimatum containing conditions unacceptable to a free people, large naval and air forces began a violent bombardment of open towns, massacring women and children." The legation appealed to the whole world to resist the threat to the liberty of a small nation.

DEFENCE OF COUNTRY ALBANIANS RUSH TO ARMS EARLIER REPORTS OF INVASION ITALIAN "BARBARISM" TIRANA, Apl. 7. Italy invaded Albania, hurling infantry tanks, and also planes against King Zog's soldiers, who,. although outnumbered, fiercely resisted. An aerial bombardment, shells from the Fascist warships, and machine-gun bullets, marked the Italian offensive. The native fighters, famed historically as the " Sons of the Eagle," rushed from the fields and workshops to repulse the first four Italian attacks on Durazzo. King Zog issued a proclamation by radio, after which peasants and mountaineers rushed to the front with rifles. King Zog called for the people to defend their independence to the death.

M. Fasheri, ex-Premier of Albania, telegraphed Signor Mussolini: "We prefer death to dishonour. We know you possess enormous artillery, poison gas, aeroplanes, and every other means of destruction; but we have the courage, spirit of sacrifice, and resignation. Five centuries ago the bloody hand belonged to the Asiatic barbarians. Are you the twentiethcentury barbarians in the West? This warning comes from the soul of Albania. The Fascist army will only pass over the bodies not only of men, but of women." King Zog formally informed England, America, France, and Germany of Italy's attack and his determination to resist to the utmost. Official announcements from the Albanian Government said that the people, forgetting feuds, including blood feuds against King Zog, rallied to defend the country. The mountain chieftain, Mediphrasili. is reported to have sent a message to Signor Mussolini. "When your forces have annihilated our men. our women will then fight you." An official communique stated: " The people are fighting, and they have inflicted heavy losses on the Italians. The Italian troops are landing under the protection of the warships' guns and bombing planes, but are meeting with strong resistance." ' King Zog sent a message to Albanian diplomats abroad, including the representative at Washington, saying that his people " will defend Albania with all their forces." He urged the population "to hold to' your love for the Fatherland. Long live Albania and long live the Albanian people!" The Prime Minister broadcast a message to the nation at noon, with a message also for Signor Mussolini. The Prime Minister described the invasion as "barbaric," and demanded the cessation of hostilities. "The people," he said, "are united about their King in this sad moment." , The Albanian Parliament, at a SDecial session, declared the Italian demands unacceptable. The appearance yesterday afternoon of 29 Italian aeroplanes over the capital caused a great demonstration by the population before Parliament Buildings, the Royal Palace. ,and foreign legations. It was declared that the Italians would only occupy the country over their dead bodips. About 26,000 Albanians were mobilised overnieht, including police, volunteers, and soldiers. Tt is understood that Italian planes are under orders not to bomb populated centres in order to prevent casualties among the civil population. NEW~PROPOSALS

ALBANIAN DELEGATION ITALY'S APPARENT AIMS ROME, Apl. 7. (Received Apl. 9, at 7 p.m.) When the Italian troops were advancing, operations were halted by the arrival of an Albanian delegation bearing new proposals from King Zog. General Guzzoni, who is commanding the Italian force, transmitted the proposals to Rome. Diplomatic circles say that Albania's counter-proposals were designed to limit Italian military occupation to the extent fixed by the Tirana Treaty of 1927, which was designed to prevent Italy's absorption of Albania. 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 Rome 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 with Kraja. Italy apparently aims 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.

TOWNS SHELLED .HEAVY CASUALTIES REPORTED THE ITALIAN ADVANCE DEFENDERS' HOPELESS TASK LONDON, Apl. 8. (Received Apl. 9, at 9 p.m.) The Albanians'" News Agency at Tirana states that Durazzo was shelled four times. Valona was shelled twice and bombed from the air thrice. Sanitiquaranta was bombed thrice from the air and shelled thrice from the sea. San Giovanni Di Medua was reduced to ruins. Heavy casualties among the population are reported. The Albanian agency at Tirana reported sternest resistance at all points where Italians landed. Blood flowed like a stream in the vicinity of Valona. Latest advices state that the Italians are employing between 40,000 and 60,000 troops. Transports are continually leaving Brindisi and Bari. Touch of Rustic Drama The first Italian attempt to land at Durazzo had a touch of rustic drama. A score of officers put off in a pinnace and, when asked for papers, replied: "We come to occupy the country." Shots were exchanged, after which fighting began in earnest, with a heavy bombardment from the air and the sea. Italian pamphlets thrown from aeroplanes read: " The Italian troops landing on your soil are those of people who have been friendly with you for centuries. Do not offer vain resistance, which would be immediately suppressed. Do not listen to the men of the Government who have made you miserable and who would wish to lead you to useless shedding of blood. The King-Em-peror's troops are remaining the necessary time to restore order, justice, and peace." The British United Press correspondent at Tirana, describing the fighting, stated:—

CONCERN IN LONDON MEETING OF MINISTERS SITUATION OBSCURE DIPLOMATS IN CONSULTATION CLOSE CONTACT WITH FRANCE (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Apl. 8. (Received Apl. 9, at 7.30 p.m.) The further complication of the international situation by the Italian invasion of Albania in the early hours of Friday has engaged the close attention of Lord Halifax. A considered judgment by the British Foreign Secretary on the developments in Albania has been impeded by the lack of official or other reliable information. It is noted in London that a similar difficulty has been experienced by other Governments.

It is announced that the Prime Minister (Mr Chamberlain) is returning at once to London. Mr Chamberlain's decision and the meeting of Ministers which was held in London this morning are signs of the inevitable concern with which the British Government is watching the situation created by the Italian move. After this morning's conference of Ministers, for which the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon) had hurriedly returned to London from North Berwick and which was attended by eight other members of the Cabinet who were available, in addition to Lord Halifax, a statement was issued from 10 Downing street, which said: —

"The Ministers concerned heard a report summarising the information at present in possession of the Government as to the position in Albania. The situation is still somewhat obsecure in regard to a number of important factors, and it has, therefore, been arranged that the Ministers concerned should remain in or near London for the present. No further meeting has, however, yet been arranged."

Crudely - armed. Albanians are sniping behind rocks and hurling boulders down the hillsides, but Italian squads are ousting them with hand grenades, bombs, and machine guns. Italians, under cover of lowflying aeroplanes, are advancing steadily. The Albanian Government reported that troops, aided by volunteers, four times forced back the Fascists attempting to land at Durazzo. Riflemen, even boys with only rocks for weapons, were reported to be harassing the Italians, who pressed on towards Tirana, which was surveyed repeatedly by Fascist bombing planes. King Zog decided, after a conference with Cabinet, to resist the invasion by arms. He issued the following proclamation:— The Italian demands violated national sovereignty. Albanians will never accept such demands, but will fight the invaders to the. last man. He urged the people not to lose courage, but to defend the honour of the Fatherland. The Tirana radio station was heard issuing appeals to France, Britain, and the entire civilised world, to " help the Albanian people, who are only 1,000,000 strong, and who must defend their liberty against a nation of 40,000,000." The Italian accusation of Italians being maltreated in Albania is denied by the Albanian Premier, who appealed to Signor Mussolini for cessation of hostilities, describing the invasion as an act of barbarism. Jugoslavia Rejects Appeal Jugoslavia has rejected King Zog's appeal for help in view of the Italian-Jugoslavian treaty of friendship. It was officially stated from Rome that the Italians occupied the main Albanian ports of Santiquaranta, Valona, Durazzo, and San Giovanni Di Medua. The last-named town is alternatively called Singjin. At the rejquest of the authorities, in order to avoid demonstrations, servants at the Albanian legation in Rome removed the flag from the building. The whereabouts of M. Sereggi and his staff is at present unknown. The legation is strongly guarded by troops. The French Minister at Tirana reported to Paris that King Zog declared for a retreat to the mountains to open guerrilla warfare if necessary. The Italian war planes were unable to use the bases in Albania because "of resistance. They were forced to fly across the Adriatic during the day to carry out their attacks. Fierce Fighting Official French despatches from Tirana say that the fighting was particularly fierce at Valona at noon, but the Italians were unable to drive beyond the town. The Italians up to that time had tried to land only about 35,000 men. The naval bombardment, it was stated in another message, was limited to Durazzo. The Valona air bombings were confined mainly to roads. The Albanian air force consists of two planes, the mechanised forces consist of 12 tank;,, and the army possesses fewer than 100 guns. Order to Italian Pilots A later message from Rome stated that the troops which landed at Durazzo marched to the interim. The populace was calm and cordial. The troops met resistance only at Durazzo, but it was immediately suppressed. Four hundred aeroplanes of the Adriatic squadron patrolled, the Albanian skies with orders not to bomb inhabited centres and to spare the people. A further message from Tirana stated that many houses on the outskirts were invaded. The town was originally built by Italians with the idea that one day it might be useful as a fortress. The Italians are also using roads built by Italian engineers under the supervision of General Pariani.

Albania, on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea, has a total area of 11,000 square miles and a total population (census, 1930) of 1,003,104. The capital is Tirana (population 30,806), and other centres are Scutari (29,209), Elbasan (13,796), Argyrokastro (10,836), Berat (10,403), Korcha (22,787), Durazzo (9739) and Valona (9106). ■

Whatever is arranged about a further. Ministerial meeting, it may be assumed the Prime Minister will take an early opportunity of seeing Lord Halifax, with whom he was in constant touch by telephone both yesterday and to-day, and of consulting with other principal colleagues. Further information received through official channels by to-morrow may enable the Ministers to form a more complete and trustworthy picture of events. Whitehall and Quai d'Orsay are, of course, maintaining their usual close contact. Among Lord. Halifax's visitprs at the Foreign Office this afternoon Were the French Ambassador (M. Corbin) and the Albanian Minister (M. Kurti), as well as the United States Ambassador (Mr J, P. Kennedy). Lord Halifax also saw the Leader of the Opposition (Mr C. R. Attlee) and informed him of the position as it appears to the Government.

Sir" Archibald Sinclair, who ic out of town; sent a telegram in association with the Liberal leader in the House of Lords (the Marquess of Crewe), which supports the request made earlier to-day by Mr Attlee for immediate reassembly of Parliament. This is a question upon which the Ministers, naturally, could reach no decision in the absence of the Prime Minister. Public Opinion Hardening Pending clarification of the issues which it is felt the Government is awaiting before forming definite opinions, public comment is restrained but so far as it goes it makes clear that whatever the consequences in the international sphere of the fresh Italian initiative and their effects on the public mind in Britain, the ultimate results will be a strengthening in all of opinion of the support of the recenl restatement of British policy by the Prime Minister. Great interest is naturally displayed in the relation of these developments to the AngloItalian Agreement, the anniversary of the signature of which ' falls to-morrow. Whether Parliament will be summoned will depend on the developments of the next few days. It if recalled that Italy on April 4 and 5 assured Britain that she had no wish whatever to change the status quo of Albania. Lord Halifax has cancelled his journey to Yorkshire. The Turkish and Greek Ministers visited the Foreign Office. Italian-German " Reply "? The Times, in a leader, says: " The Italian operations in Albania will doubtless rank in the text books as a model of totalitarian strategy and surprise. The choice of Good Friday was doubtless a cynical element in the plan of concealment. While the Italians outnumber the Albanians by 40 to one it remains to be seen how Nazi-Fascist ingenuit- will reconcile the invasion with the . Italian-Al-banian Treaty. Most of the capitals in Europe consider II Duce's stroke as a part of a concerted ItalianGerman reply to the Non-aggressive Powers' move toward consolidation. Britain has a peculiar right to examine the intentions 6f the move, which threatens to disturb the stabilitv. of the Mediterranean." The King cancelled an afternoon car drive to Windsor in order to keep in touch with despatches frequently arriving from London. The British Ambassador in Paris (Sir Eric Phipos) yesterday afternoon conferred with the French Foreign Minister (M. Bonnet) in regard to Albania. M. Cn-bin. M. Tilea. and the Albanian Miniptp'* (M. Kurti) called at the Foreign Office. The Albanian Sookesman said resistance shoved that although there was no possible hope for stemming the invader, the Albanians were prepared to fight for their independence. World War Imminent? Mr J. Maxton, M.P.. chairman of the Independent Labour Party, addressing members of the party said: " The prospect of a great European war is nearer I think than some realise. It would be a mistake to pul our heads into the sand. The fact is that world war is imminent."

JUGOSLAV RIGHTS ITALIAN ASSURANCE DENIAL OF PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES INTEREST IN RUMANIA LONDON, Apl. 9. (Received Apl. 9, at 10.10 p.m.) It is reported from Belgrade thut the Politika publishes an officiallyinspired denial that Jugoslavia is taking precautionary measures as a result of the Italian invasion. "Jugoslavia is constantly in touch with Rome," 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."' An earlier message stated that "all members of the Cabinet have been ordered to stay in the capital. The Government later will announce steps to safeguard Jugoslav interests in the Adriatic. It expressed the hope that the Italians would not take action likely to affect Jugoslavia's interests.

Italian-Jugoslavian Treaty

Authoritative circles in Belgrade consider the Italian action in Albania a violation of the ItalianJugoslavian Treaty of Friendship of 1937, providing for maintenance of the status

quo in the Adriatic. Italy last night notified Belgrade that negotiations with Albania had halted, and Ttaly felt compelled to bring military pressure upon Albania. Italy assured Jugoslavia that she will respect Jugoslav rights in the Adriatic. A message from Bucharest states that M. Calinescu and M. Gafencu conferred at length. The Jugoslavian decision is expected to have an important influence on Rumania's attitude in view of the close Jugo-slavian-Rumanian alliance. Diplomatic circles state that the entire Balkan equilibrium is being shaken by the Albanian invasion. The Dardanelles M. Gafencu has gone to Istanbul aboard a Rumanian warship, ostensibly oh a holiday cruise, but it is believed that it is for the purpose of trying, to arrange for British and French warships to traverse the Dardanelles in the event of an attack on Rumania. . . A later message from. Istanbul states that M. Gafencu arrived by a warshin for a hurried conference with the Foreign Minister (M. Sarajoglii), over the Balkan States' reactions to the Albanian invasion.

ROME-BERLIN AXIS EXTENSION OF POWER PRESS VIEWS OF ITALIAN ACTION LONDON, Apl. 8. (Received Apl. 9, at 10 p.m.) The Paris correspondent of The Times says the savage Italian aggression has horrified French opinion. Not the slightest doubt is felt that the operation was planned between Italy and Germany as the first Step in an arrangement whereby Germany will dominate east Europe, the Black Sea, and Finland, while Italy will predominate in Jugoslavia, Albania, and Greece, with the neutralisation of the Dardanelles as a by-product. Newspapers throughout Britain unanimously condemn the invasion of Albania. Alarmist News Deprecated The Daily Express says: "But keep the thing in its true proportion. Do not let the violence of the deed lead to alarmist views. This does not constitute a disturbance of the general neace of the world. Since 1927 Italy has been nominally an ally and actually a suzerain of Albania./ To Jugoslavia the invasion must bring acute but +here are two things to say. First, Jugosalvia belongs- to the .German economic orbit already, and. secondly, the Italian aim to convert Albania into a Roman bastion may not be so easv to realise in practice." Most sections of the French press see the conquest as' part of a concerted axis nlan aimed to nut a pincers round Jueorlavia and also tn brandish the stick in the faces of lesser Powers and possiblv contorpDW.in* joining the anti-aggres-sion line-un. The Swiss cress unam r rinuslv condemns the invasion. Some newspapers express the oninion that it is aimed pHmorilv pt strategic control of the Strait of Otranto, which is most in the of war in the Mediterranean. The also save that General Franco, by si«ni.nff the Anti-comintern - s<!"""! Italy of the use of Spanish ports. THE FRENCH VIEW PARIS, Apl. 8. (Received Apl. 9. at 8 p.m.) It is considered improbable that any active stand will he taken at present in relation to Albania French official circles express the opinion that Italy's action in Albania will stir up the Mohammedan world, in which the repercussions will be unfavourable to Italy and likely to, be felt in Africa. ' .

WAR ISSUE IN WEEK? AMERICAN FORECAST ITALY CONDEMNED THREAT TO WORLD PEACE OFFICIAL STATEMENT ISSUED WASHINGTON, Apl. 8. (Received Apl. 9, at 9_p.ni.) Military officials in Washington are convinced that Europe will face the issue of a general war within a week, expecting the test to come with the Ger- - man attempt to seize Danzig and the Polish corridor, which they regard as a matter of "when" rather than of " if." This forecast is based on the belief that the totalitarian States are hard pressed financially and the opinion that Germany is in a position where the longer she waits the less chance she would have of succeeding. The officials also consider that it is most likely that Germany will 'simultaneously attempt to occupy part or all.of Polish Silesia. Since Poland will probably resist, thus putting to the test the Anglo-French assurances of support, Germany will probably consider that the invasion of Silesia will involve no greater risks and the promise of richer results.

Only a Prelude?

Diplomatic and military official* generally regard the Italian invasion of Albania as a prelude: to larger military operations by the totalitarian Powers, expressing the opinion that the venture may be a design to attract world attention to screen a larger and more important military move or frighten Bulgaria, Jugoslavia, Hungary, and Rumania from the Anglo-French bloc to the Hitler bloc. President Roosevelt and the Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) denounced the Italian invasion of Albania as a threat to world peace. Mr Hull issued a formal statement after talking • with th e . President over the telephone from Warm Springs. Mr Hull said that the President and he agreed iipoh the issue of a' statement as follows:-

"The forcible and violent invasion of Albania is unquestionably an additional threat to the peace of the world. It would be short-sighted not to take notice of this further development. Any threat to world peace seriously concerns all nations and violates the will of all peoples of the world that their Governments shall lead them not towards war but along- the paths of peace. It is scarcely necessary to add that the inevitable effect of this . incident, taken with other similar incidents, is further' to destroy confidence and to undermine the economic stability of every country in the world, thus affecting our. own welfare."- '... ....

Most spokesmen; on foreign affairs minimise the immediate significance, pointing out that Ital - ". has, long established itself politically and ieconomically in 'Albania. Senators Brosh and Reynolds expressed the opinion that the invasion, was exceedingly unlikely to aggravate the tense feeling in European capitals to war. Meanwhile M. Faik Homitza, the Albanian Minister in the United States, conferred .with Mr Hull, after which. Mr , Homitza predicted that King Zog would die fighting rather than capitulate to Ita!y. He also denounced Italy's lack of chivalry in invading the country when the Queen had just given birth to a baby. America and War Senator Borah told the Senate the proposed changes in the nation's conduct of foreign affairs was the "most subtle way yet designed to get this nation into war. It seems that the proponents of these measures want us to become the moral censors of the world, to decide which nation or nations are in the wrong in case of war and then to punish the one or the ones we decide to be in the wrong. • If this nation wants to get involved in war, I can think of no better way than to adopt this policy." A NIGHT OF TERROR ARMED GANGS IN TIRANA ORDER FINALLY RESTORED LONDON, Apl.: 9. (Received Apl. 9, at 11 p.m.). The Italian News Agency froi Tirana reports that armed bands released convicts during the night and they sacked the Royal Palace and the residences of King Zog's 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. CASUALTY LIST DEFENDERS T ~ANTIQUATEI> RIFLES ■ LONDON, Apl. 9. (Received Apl. 9, at 10.30 p:m.» The British United Press corre» spondent £t Scutani says that 30 Italians were killed in the. first attempt to land at Durazzo. A message from Rome reports that it is authoritatively stated that the Albanian casualties comprise 140 killed and several hundred wounded. The Italian casualties are 20 killed and 60 wounded. The majority of the Albanians are armed with old rifles, and tried to snipe the Italians. ■' ... •' BRITISH NATIONALS LONDON, Apl. X ." The Admiralty-announces that nt warships have been sent to Albania to aid British nationals. ' By special arrangement "Reuter's World Service, In addition to other special sources of Information, ts used In . the compilation of the overseas .intelligence' published in tills issue, and nil rights therein In Australia and New Zealand are reserved..