875.00/124: Telegram

The Minister in Albania (Grant-Smith) to the Secretary of State

44. My 43, May 18, 12 noon. Officers of Tirana garrison have notified the Government their objection to precipitating civil war by moving on Scutari. The Assembly has sent delegation to confer with recalcitrant members at Scutari. Prospects for peaceful solution brighter.

Destroyer not needed unless foreign communications with central Albania interrupted. I recommend the Embassy at Rome be instructed to communicate direct with Admiral in such case. Copy to European Information Bureau.

Grant-Smith