875.01/336

The Albanian Minister (Konitza) to the Secretary of State

Sir: I have just received from the so-called “Provisional Administrative Committee” a cable, dated Tirana, April 11, 1939, 1:35 P.M. I have the honor, as a matter of information, or curiosity, to transmit the following close translation from the Albanian:

“Legation of Albania, Washington, D. C.—From news given out by the ‘Stefani’ News Agency, radio announcements, and the Italian Press, we are informed that the King and the Government have left Albania. A new situation has been created. Order, discipline, and quiet are being restored. The new Provisional Government is being formed. For the time being business is conducted by a Provisional Administrative Committee with Mr. Xhafer Ypi as Chairman, and the following members: Messrs. Zef Kadaria for Home Affairs; Kosta Marku for Finance; Izedin Beshiri for Public Works; Pertev Pogoni for Public Education; Llambi Aleksi for National Economy; and the undersigned for Foreign Affairs. Until further orders, you are instructed to refrain from any diplomatic démarche. Correspond with this office in open dispatches (no code to be used). Wait for instructions. Keep always in close friendly contact with the Italian Embassy. Listen regularly to the radio broadcast from Tirana. Quiet down the Albanian communities and students there. The Administrative Committee instructs you to have full confidence in the Fascist Government which desires with its whole heart to secure for Albania happiness, progress, and prosperity.—The Member in Charge of Foreign Affairs, Mihal Sherko.”

I take [etc.]

Faik Konitza