875.01/12–145: Telegram
The Representative in Albania (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 1—noon.]
208. Handed note to Hoxha this morning in accordance with instructions contained Deptel 115, November 29, 8 p.m. He expressed [Page 76] keen disappointment that US had made affirmation of former treaties condition precedent to recognition, especially as British Government had not done so. He said that members regime were extremely suspicious of all treaties negotiated by former Albanian Government; so much so that mere word treaty had become in minds of Albanians a symbol of the sale or gift of Albania’s birthright to foreign powers. Until I handed him yesterday (informally pending receipt of certified copies from Department) copies of the four treaties (arbitration, conciliation, extradition and naturalization) he and his regime did not even know what treaties existed between US and Albania.
Hoxha further stated that compliance with our requirement in this matter placed regime in a dilemma. On the one hand, the regime could not agree to continued validity of specific treaties without careful study of such treaties which will require time and accordingly delay recognition by the US; while, on the other hand, it could not affirm with the US the principle of international law respecting continuing validity of treaties without making it difficult to refuse to recognize with other countries the continuing validity of treaties which are detrimental to the interest of the Albanian people. I endeavored to explain Department’s viewpoint but got nowhere, although Hoxha said he would reconsider the matter. I fear, however, that insistence upon our position will delay our recognition for some time and lose for US considerable goodwill which should be ours because we have all along been more tolerant of the present regime with respect to recognition than have Great Britain and the Soviet Union which countries will in the circumstances reap the benefit of our efforts. Both of those countries have accepted the assurances of the present regime and are negotiating for exchange of representatives.
I do not know how strongly Department feels with respect to this matter but I suggest for consideration that we modify our position to extent of accepting the assurance with respect to treaties as set forth in Hoxha’s note of November 23 (communicated to Department in our 202, November 24) that note indicates willingness upon receipt of copies to examine our treaties in the light of the Permeti resolution after reestablishment of relations. Such examination is not likely to be prejudicial to either the US or Albania. Our note of acceptance on such terms could be so phrased as to state that we expect prompt examination and continuance in force of all such treaties and agreements as are not definitely shown to be detrimental to the interest of the Albanian people.