711.75/8–1546: Telegram
The Representative in Albania ( Jacobs ) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received August 16—11:45 p.m.]
428. In response request I call, saw Hoxha afternoon August 13, when he recited difficulties over treaties and tried to blame United States for not having made counterproposals. I protested, reminding him that at close last interview on subject he had said his Government’s position was same as stated his two notes last November and I had said my government expected something more closely approximating recognition Albania’s treaty obligations than expressed in those notes.47
He then went on to say that after further study his Government was prepared to accept continued validity of 11 multilateral treaties,48 [Page 23] copies of which we submitted in January. Concerning four bilateral treaties49 he said his government was prepared immediately after recognition and arrival American Minister to take these treaties under consideration for purpose of making certain “corrections” to bring them into line with new kind of international relationship created by anti-Fascist war. He cited as example that under our extradition treaty political offenders could not be extradited, which might prevent handing over Albanian war criminals seeking refuge in United States. Concerning naturalization treaty said his Government did not object to past cases but for future some corrections would be necessary. Regarding passport fees agreement, said there was no objection.
He then handed a letter on Albania, contents of which wishes me study, communicate to my Government and talk with him again if necessary to avoid misunderstanding. Letter reiterates substance what Hoxha said, mentioning eleven multilateral and four bilateral treaties, but contained no reference to nature desired corrections and does not mention passport fees agreement, money order convention and, what is far more important, most-favored-nation treatment, exchange of notes beginning 1922 and completed 1925 which Hoxha did not mention orally.50
As Albanian Regime accepts only multilateral treaties and agreements, believe this development merely for effect in connection with Albania’s United Nations membership application now under consideration in New York. Deptel 140, August 12, which I shall comment on separately shortly.51
Albania’s position with reference our bilateral treaties and agreements therefore remains same except we now know from Hoxha’s oral remarks something nature of revisions which Albanian authorities are seeking. Hardly know what to suggest as I question wisdom accepting [Page 24] promises with respect to action to be taken after accorded recognition and exchange diplomatic representatives.
One course action would be stand firm and reply where we take note of Albania’s acceptance multilateral treaties, we must have assurances already requested with respect other treaties and agreements. Another course reply in foregoing sense but add either we are prepared to study list revision which Albanian authorities may wish to submit for purpose of determining whether some agreement cannot be reached press recognition or that I am authorized to discuss proposed revision with Foreign Office with same purpose in mind.
In addition treaty question something must be said regarding treatment to be accorded this Mission in interim and to our future Legation and diplomatic representatives. Imperative both because of ignorance present regime of puppets concerning international courtesies and sadistic tendency to be deliberately nasty. If this point not cleared up satisfactorily will be most difficult if not impossible for Department to keep staff here. First we should insist on general commitment our Mission and future Legation and staff be accorded usual privileges and courtesies extended as matter international practice all over world, not in one section thereof. Second we must mention certain matters growing out of above and insist they be attended to immediately:
- (1)
- Prompt action upon requests for entry and exit permits for American staff (in three recent cases 5 weeks were required)
- (2)
- Definite approval for engineer Marinschak remain here on Mission premises long as we want him and entry permit be granted at once for his wife to join him (this loyal employee is indispensable and attitude authorities toward his wife inexecusable: we cannot back down)
- (3)
- Right to employ local help without interference before or after employment. Our continued permission operate radio station and send in weekly planes.
If firm on these points even to extent threatening to close, believe we shall force them capitulate as doubt they now want us leave, and if they do, we may as well close anyway.
Copy of note and translation follow by mail.
- For Jacobs’ report on his conversation with Hoxha on February 27, see telegram 135, February 28, from Tirana, p. 12.↩
- Multilateral treaties to which both the United States and Albania were parties are as follows: Convention for the Formation of an International Union for the Publication of Customs Tariffs, Regulations and Final Declarations, July 5, 1890; International Labor Organization; Convention and Protocol for Limiting the Manufacture and Distribution of Narcotic Drugs, July 13, 1931; Treaty for the Limitation and Reduction of Naval Armament, London, April 22, 1930; Arrangement relative to the Repression of the Circulation of Obscene Publications, May 4, 1910; Convention and Protocols for the Suppression of the Abuse of Opium and other Drugs, January 23, 1912 and July 9, 1913; Universal Postal Union of Cairo and Final Protocol, March 20, 1934; Treaty for the Renunciation of War (Pact of Paris), August 27, 1928; Treaty Recognizing the Sovereignty of Norway over Spitzbergen, February 9, 1920; Telecommunication Convention, December 9, 1932; Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded of Armies in the Field (International Red Cross Convention), July 6, 1906.↩
- For list of the bilateral treaties and agreements between the United States and Albania, see Department of State Bulletin, November 17, 1946, p. 914.↩
- For text of Hoxha’s letter of August 13, see telegram 433, August 18, from Tirana, infra.↩
- Telegram 140, August 12, 1946, to Tirana, summarized consideration by the Membership Committee of the United Nations General Assembly of Albania’s application for membership in the United Nations Organization (800.00 Summaries/8–1246). Jacobs’ comment on the Department’s telegram was contained in telegram 435, August 19, from Tirana (711.75/8–1946). For documentation on United States policy towards Albanian application for U.N. membership, see vol. i .↩