TO THE DEATH

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

TO THE DEATH

ALBANIA DETERMINED FIERCE ATTACK BY ITALY DESTRUCTION OF TOWNS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrignt. ((Received April 8, ii a.m.) TIRANA, April 7 Italy hurled infantry, tanks and planes against King Zog's soldiers, who, although outnumbered, are fiercely resisting. An aerial bombardment, shells from tiie Fascists’ warships, and machinegun bullets marked the Italian offensive. Severe lighting has occurred at five Albanian coastal towns, Durazzo, Santi Quaranta, Alessio, San Giovanni di Medua and Valona. Native lighters, famed historically as "Sons of the Eagle,” rushed from lields and workshops to repulse the first four Italian attacks on Durazzo. Severe Casualties Official messages said that Albania gave ground only at a high cost to the Fascists when the invaders opened up with vast land, sea and aerial forces. King Zog issued a proclamation by radio, after which peasants and mountaineers rushed to the front with rifles. King Zog called on the people to defend their independence to the death. Queen Geraldine, with her newborn son, is reported to have been sent to Greece for safety. Official messages described the flghting_ along the coast as so severe that part of Durazzo and Valona have been destroyed, while Alessio has been devastated.

YUGOSLAVIA ALARMED SAFEGUARDING OF INTERESTS CABINET STANDING BY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received April 8, 11 a.m.) BELGRADE. April 7 All members of the Cabinet have been ordered to stay in the capital.. The Council of Ministers is being held this afternoon The Government later will announce the steps taken to safeguard Yugoslav interests in the Adriatic. It expressed the hope that the Italians will not take action likely to affect its interests. THE HAGUE, April 7 All leave of Dutch troops manning the Froniteri coastal defences has been cancelled. Authoritative circles consider that the Italian action in Albania is a violation of the Italian-Yugoslavian Treaty of Friendship of 1937, providing for the maintenance of the status quo in the Adriatic. Italy last night notified Belgrade that negotiations in Albania had hailed and Italy felt compelled to bring military pressure upon Albania. Italy assured Yugoslavia that, she will respect Yugoslav rights in the Adriatic. CONCERTED ACTION ANGLO-FRENCH ACCORD STAFFS IN CONTACT (Official Wireless) RUGBY, April 5 Mr W. S. Morrison, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancashire, who represents Lord Chatfield, Minister for the Coordination of Defence, in the House of Commons, was asked if any plans for concerted French and British action in the Mediterranean existed, and if any conversations between the French and British navy, military and air authorities, concerning such plans had recently taken place or was contemplated. Mr Morrison replied:

“The contacts between the two staffs regarding strategical questions affecting both countries, which were initiated three years ago, are being continued.

“In the course of these contacts all questions affecting strategical considerations common to both countries are under review.”