765.75/394: Telegram
The Minister in Albania (Grant) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:34 p.m.]
14. Legation’s 13, April 3, 4 p.m. Although negotiations between the Italian and Albanian Governments are continuing and have not broken down according to information given to me by the Albanian Foreign Minister the situation for Albania is admitted to be grave. Reports from the Greek Consul at Valona to the Greek Legation are to the effect that the Italian Consul there has announced that Italian troops will occupy Valona either Wednesday or Thursday of this week. It is also reported that the Albanian Prefect has armed the Moslems of Valona for resistance. More than 60,000 troops are camped at Bari according to report brought back by our American courier. The situation is complicated for the King since the Queen is hourly expecting a baby.
Copy sent to Rome.