711.75/2–1946: Telegram

The Representative in Albania ( Jacobs ) to the Secretary of State

top secret
urgent

115. Handed General Hoxha yesterday, my first opportunity, memorandum communicated Deptel 23, Feb 12, received Feb 15, and stressed point Dept attaches grave importance to matter.

We went over memorandum together and while Hoxha agrees Mission was entitled more consideration with respect permit matters and said servant matter badly handled, he tried shift blame to “subordinates” and expressed regret that discourtesy had resulted. His remarks seem to indicate he has no clear understanding courtesy and consideration which his Govt should extend Mission friendly Govt.

When we came to paragraph on UNO he burst forth in heated argument Albania’s right admission and paid little attention my efforts explain. He said Albanian people were very angry treatment accorded them by US and Great Britain and that fact explains why Albanians were no longer friendly toward Mission, overlooking fact that discourtesies began before UNO took action. Concerning press and radio attacks he said he did not pay attention such things, although with respect to American correspondents who criticized regime, he complained bitterly that US had not screened those sent here and ignored my remark that articles of which I complained appeared in official paper and over radio whereas our Govt does not control press, correspondents and radio. I then mentioned treaty matter but, as we had talked more than hour and was past lunch time, Hoxha said he would give entire memorandum consideration and advise me later.

I venture no prediction concerning results as I believe they will depend much upon wishes present Soviet advisers.

Parenthetically might add my three Italian house servants left for Italy Feb 16 after week’s extension was denied and gardener expects leave this week when papers are in order. Marinschak’s case not been settled because he was told when matter arose that his pass was valid until Feb 28, when he should report for further instructions.

Our 115, repeated Moscow 18, London 12, Paris 3, Caserta 58.

Jacobs