875.01/258: Telegram
The Minister in Albania (Grant-Smith) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 6—10:05 a.m.]
The Prime Minister who fled in June last has returned together with most of his colleagues and announced the resignation of his Cabinet. A new one is in process of formation under Ahmet Zogu as Prime Minister. One regent remains, the others’ terms having expired. Ahmet Zogu is admittedly dictator of Albania and having foreign support will doubtless remain so for some time.
In view of his having been sentenced by a court, whose jurisdiction has not been questioned, as one of those responsible for the murder of Coleman and De Long,2 early instructions are respectfully requested as to the attitude to be assumed towards the new Government. My foreign colleagues are preparing to accept it as fully regular. Copy to European Information Center.
- Robert Lewis Coleman and George B. De Long, American citizens, were murdered by bandits in Albania, Apr. 6, 1924.↩