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The Minister in Albania (Grant) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 12—1:40 p.m.]
37. The Albanian Parliament will meet tomorrow Wednesday to amend the constitution preparatory to the establishment of the new regime. It is rumored that the King of Italy may be named King of Albania. It seems likely that an Italian high commissioner will be named to take charge Albanian affairs with the assistance of an Albanian Cabinet although there is no confirmation of this. Count Ciano is expected to return to Tirana tomorrow.
A high Italian military officer informed me today that there is no further resistance in Albania and that there are now approximately 40,000 Italian soldiers in Albania. It is reported that more troops are on the coast. The Greek Minister this afternoon expressed to me his very grave concern over the position of own country as the result of the Italian invasion of Albania. There are persistent rumors that the Italian forces may attempt to drive further into the Yugoslavian territory of Kossova and into Greek territory of Camuria.
The French Minister this afternoon called on the Italian Minister and registered a strong protest against the sacking of the French summer Legation at Durazzo beach. He requested reparations for the damage done.