INVASION OF ALBANIA

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20775, 8 April 1939, Page 7

INVASION OF ALBANIA

SHELLED BY ITALIAN FORCES PROTECTORATE TO BE ESTABLISHED THREAT OF “ATROCIOUS MILITARY MEASURES” (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, April 7 It is officially announced from Rome that Italian troops sailed for Albania during the night from Brindisi and Bari, and at dawn the First Naval Squadron was cruising off the Albanian coast. An air force squadron was ordered to take off for an unrevealed operation. News from Tirana, capital of Albania, is that in spite of earlier reports, the Italians were compelled to resort to force. It was revealed at 9.45 a.m. Greenwich time that the port of Valona was heavily bombarded during the night. A message at 9.52 a.m. announced that Yalona was being continuously shelled, and heavy fighting was going on in the vicinity. Italians attempting to land at Durazzo were twice driven off. Aeroplanes flew over Tirana early this morning and dropped pamphlets announcing the Italian landings. They warned the population not to resist, under threat of “atrocious military measures,” and invited them to surrender to the King-Emperor, who would impose peace. Italy yesterday informed the Yugoslav Government that an Italian protectorate would be established over Albania to-day, when Italian troops would land at the ports of Valona, Durazzo and Scutari. The Yugoslav Cabinet met to discuss precautionary measures in the event of Italian occupation of Albania, says an Australian Associated Press cablegram from Belgrade. The Royal Albanian Legation in London issued a statement that any attempt to occupy Albania would be resisted. “We are authorised to deny the truth of any statement regarding an Italian protectorate,” says the legation. “Moreover, any allegation that Albania has accepted conditions incompatible with her sovereignty and integrity are also untrue.”