Hysen Selmani
Second part
Memorie.al / European and American press have often addressed the topic of the memories of the Albanian King, Zogu i-r, which he wrote and dictated during his exile from Albania. Considering the notes and syntheses that his assistant, Colonel Hysen Selmani, compiled over the years in his service, – always, next to the King of the Albanians, both at home and in exile, these notes, more or less with parts of detached, without strictly following the usual criteria of memoirs, and without having the definite, final form of an edition, they are prepared by Hysen Selmani himself, who has dedicated most of his life, as in Albania, as well as during the exile, serving the First Bird, the King of the Albanians.
TIRANA, MARCH 25, 1939
At the same time, Great Britain had understood the situation very well and therefore sent to Tirana, Sir Thomas Hohler, and together with the Minister Plenipotentiary accredited to the Albanian Royal Court, Sir Andre Ryan, were tasked to go for an audience to King Bird. The first spoke German well and the second spoke Turkish, so there was no need for an interpreter.
The British officials first asked King Zog that; was the work of the assassination against his Majesty and the discovery of the insurrection true, made on February 12, 1939. King Zog answered that: both the one and the other were true, however much the King and the Government had respected the clauses of the Italian-Albanian alliance.
After that, Hohler asked King Bird, that; was he aware that Italy was concentrating military forces in Bari and Brindisi. Zogu replied that: he was informed about these things, but added that: “such a thing will attract the attention of other countries, and in particular, that of Great Britain”.
The British minister finally asked him this question: “Can’t you find a compromise between the two countries to the demands made by the Italians, so that there is no chance of any more serious aggravation?”
King Zog, aware of all the attempts, said that; there is no longer any possibility: “As much as we have tried in every way, but they have no other goal but the occupation of Albania, which will be a prelude to the occupation of Greece and then Yugoslavia. We, – said King Zog, – have never been instigators, but neither will we accept any condition that is incompatible with the independence and integrity of the Albanian land”.
The talks between King Zog and the British representatives finally touched upon the burning issue, when Sir Thomas Hohler asked him: “In the event that Italy insists on these demands, in other words, in the event that she uses force, what do you do”?
King Zog I avoided a direct answer and brought the British representative to you, saying: “Before I give you an answer myself, in the event that Italy attacks militarily, the Albanian state, which is a member of the League of Nations even small, Great Britain, what attitude will it have in this case”?
The British minister accredited in Tirana, Sir Andre Ryan, and the representative of the Foreign Office, Sir Thommas Hohler, told him that; France and Great Britain would examine the behavior of Belgrade and Athens, what position would these two countries take and act accordingly.
The talks were touching heated arguments and predicted the imminent tragedy of small Albania; therefore, King Zog asked the representatives of Great Britain what would be the attitude according to them, who would take Belgrade and Athens, in case of an attack by force military from Italy against Albania?!
The representatives of Great Britain answered King Zog I clearly that: “Yugoslavia and Greece would watch the behavior of Germany, in case Hitler threatened these two countries, they would remain neutral and would not move either neither for nor against”.
“This means, – King Zog told them – that Italy has been given a free hand in Albania – he added that – the Albanians would do their duty and will overcome the force with force, because we, – King Zog told them – we will not accept in any way the violation of our land, so that the whole civilized world will know about the power we have”.
The representatives of Great Britain stuck their feet anew, around an eventual compromise, avoiding once again, like the others, this crisis. But, King Zog, answered you recently that: “he did not accept the smallest violation of the Albanian land, then the Italian demands, he would respond negatively, because they violated the honor of the Motherland”.
The mission to Great Britain, with these meetings, went out, Sir Thomas Hohlet, who was to leave that day for England, shook King Zog’s hand and wished him well.
King Zog received the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, Hugh G. Grant, in the audience, to whom he informed the same as the British, above all, what they had talked about, as well as about the whole situation, which happened recently.
Minister Hugh G. Grant, who was a mature and far-sighted diplomat, had understood Albania’s situation very well. Rather, he was a friend of Albania and King Zog, and with his friendly behavior, he had won the sympathy of the Albanian people and authorities.
The King told Minister Hug G. Grant to inform Roosevelt, the President of the United States of America, about the tragic situation Albania was in. As a friend of Albania, he told him to inform the President about the talks he had with the representative of Great Britain, and about the Balkan position.
The King added that: “Albanians will not accept the violation of the land and national independence, today we are isolated from all of Europe, we are begging for the support of the great people and protector of the small States, America, on the tragedy that was threatening Albania small, from fascism” and did its best for the United States to intervene to save this small and generous nation from the clutches of fascism.
Minister Grant, for the Albanian issue, has not spared himself, in his sacrifices and tireless efforts for the good of Albania and the Albanians, wherever the need has begged him, such as near the House of Senators, near the Department of State, near every institution, just one. to serve the interests of Albania. This friend, with excellent works and tireless efforts, all Albanian stories will place him in the first ranks of the greatest Albanian friends.
The mission of the representatives of Great Britain, as well as that of the United States of America, was of course not limited to a report that would be made by their respective governments, but it was now clearly seen that the Italian-Albanian conflict would it ended in the attack of the fascist forces, against the small and allied Albania, finding useless causes. Mussolini was determined to take this step, which was one of the most reckless and insensitive of the Italian people. This act, considered as a gesture without manliness and disloyalty, against a small armed state and friend and ally, that, in that small army, were the Italian organizers, with 8 battalions without weapons.
TIRANA, ON MARCH 27, 1939
It was already known among the people that Italy would land in Albania. Open demonstrations began, against Italy. At this time, under the name of sonship, a delegation consisting of: Mr. Ali Bakiu, Rakip Frashëri, Col. Berisha and Selman Stërmasi, who came on behalf of the youth and wanted to appear before King Zog, “because we have many things and news to present”, they said. “But knowing that the King is very busy, we are telling you to submit to him”, at this time, Ali Bakiu took the floor and said:
“Mr. Colonel Selmani, we have come in the name of youth, to ask for weapons, because we also want to organize, all the youth for war; that we are allowed to die for our country, against the Italians, who have bad intentions, against Albania, even for us, Mr. Colonel, because apart from the letters we receive from our comrades who are in Italy, we are also seeing in the incident that is proven, in Sukth, Kuçovo , Vlora, etc. As well as those of “Abdi Toptani” Street, where we were present, they became unbearable, so much so that they are seen with difficult eyes by everyone”, they said.
Colonel Hysen Selmani, when he saw them talking, full of enthusiasm and fire, against Italy and persistently asking for weapons to die for the Motherland, and they called this the greatest gift to arm themselves and allow them to die against the enemy, which threatens Albanian independence, waited a little, and then directed you to calm them down:
“You are right, my brothers, our government right now, is trying to eradicate these dark clouds that are hanging over us, through diplomatic channels, you know very well that we do not have a great power to cause aggression itself. Let Italy itself break the friendship and alliance we have. I’m just telling you, so that you can be sure that at the right time, not only you, but I also recommend you, to be wise and not to do things that make us guilty, against world opinion. As much as you wish, we agreed, tonight I will present to the King, and you can come to me freely, night or day, in the office or at home, and talk, without even the smallest reserve”.
With these words, the boys went, full of courage and satisfied, but when they left, others came, Ibrahim Bega and his friends. I said those words to these as well as to the first ones. Even these, full of patriotism and fire, came out and went.
The situation is coming and is becoming more and more critical, we are forced to sit idly by, in order not to cause any blunders that call us guilty. For days, it looks like accidents between Albanians and Italians, although the Albanians are ordered not to respond, since the neighboring countries, “Metaksai and Zvetkovici”, are turning a blind eye to the Nazi-Fahsi threat, according to this dark situation.
When the Ministerial Council came out, I submitted to the King all the requests of the boys who had come in the name of youth. King Zog I, when I presented their wishes to him, was saddened by their words and ordered me to tell the Minister of the Interior that no measures should be taken against the youth, even if they could make demonstrations at the same time said to me, let me tell you these words, from the King’s side:
“We are in a very critical period for the existence of the homeland; I understand your patriotic feelings and I am more than sure that the future of the nation depends on you. Do not lose courage and in any case, keep in mind the fight for the homeland, sparing nothing. I have to do what is possible to fulfill your wishes and I assure you that, even for the protection of the homeland, the Albanians, they will not be tarnished by anyone”.
The next day, when they came to the office, Colonel Hysen Selmani communicated the King’s words to you. And when he spoke his words to them, they rose to their feet and were exceedingly pleased, with tears in their eyes for the love they had for their King and full faith. And there they started shouting: “Long live our leader, genius and Hero of the Nation”, etc. Thus, they came out deeply moved by the love and patriotic words of their King and said that: we are proud, for every sacrifice, that the King orders us”.
TIRANA, ON MARCH 28, 1939
The palace stays open day and night, all kinds of talks take place between it. King Zog, gathering both the Ministerial Council and the Commanders of the Army and the Gendarmerie, told you: “As you can see, the affairs with Italy are quite critical and I do not see any improvement. Mussolini’s telegrams and letters are eye dust, and to gain time, to take a good look at the attitude of Europe and the Balkans.
Mussolini, this time is determined to use force against Albania. So, as I have commanded you in time: We must be ready at any moment, although the Great States like, Great Britain and France, advise us to remain prudent. Let’s not give it because of the conflict. However, Italy, taking advantage of the fact that neither Britain nor France are ready, will play the last card.
I am telling you that Yugoslavia is torn apart by fascism and Greece is afraid of Mussolini’s threats. She may have been advised by Great Britain, I remember, that this came from not keeping the promises that the Greek Prime Minister Metaksai gave us, even though, how long ago, she is scared”.
“So, – said King Zog, – all the activity, sacrifices and decisions made are for the non-acceptance in any way of things that harm the independence and honesty of the Albanian Nation”.
“This,” said the King, “now depends on the small army we have, together with the Gendarmerie, for which I have the conviction that it will bravely carry out the orders given in time. That with its bravery, with the will, with her blood and patriotism, that the blood of that soldier is to illuminate and ensure the independence of Albania.
Well, this is the main tool, we must with every sacrifice we can to have the small and brave army ready. To be ready at any moment, to die for the Motherland and show us a white face in front of the civilized world. We know that there is no way that our brave army can stop the fascist forces armed with the most modern means, but let the world see that the Albanian dies for his homeland, and this is what is needed.
The King turned to the Commander, both the National Defense and the Gendarmerie, and said: “Lord Commanders, you agree with what I explained above! You should know, as of today, that it has been a month and a half since I ordered you in the preparations of the forces. Also, you presented me with a plan, which I studied well, and I am satisfied with your word, which you promised me that everything is ready.
So, as of today, the gaps that are unfilled, you can now freely fill them. From this minute you know yourself that you are at war. To take all the ordered measures and on the basis of the plan presented in time, yes by you. Failure to implement this plan, point by point at the right time, makes the entire responsibility rest on you, a responsibility that is unforgivable.
I repeat to you once again! Today you need to declare that you are ready at any hour and minute, or not. Time doesn’t wait any longer to make changes. You are arrogant to carry out the national duty that belongs to you in the defense of any threat that may harm our independent and beloved Motherland. Tell me manfully, yes or no, and in case you have deficiencies, show them now”, said the King, in front of the Ministerial Council, to his commanders.
Both commanders declared to King Zog, in front of the Ministerial Council, that, according to the presented plan and His Majesty’s orders, they were ready. And those deficiencies, which had prevented the situation from appearing, now within the week, will be completely fulfilled and His Majesty’s orders will be implemented point by point. These were the answers of the Commanders.
After that, King Zog ordered the Prime Minister Koço Kotta, that all the tools of Botora’s work, such as gelatin, wicks, shovels, picks and others, should be handed over once and for all to the National Defense Command and the Gendarmerie. Also, he sent you back to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Musa Juka, instructing him to order the Prefects to give every support to the Army and the Gendarmerie, including every tool they need.
Meanwhile, events are caused day by day by the Italians in Sukth, Kuçovo, Rrushkull, and other places where the workers are. So that even the people were very upset and alarmed. It was always said that Italy would teach us militarily and occupy us after that. These are also the talks that are held everywhere in the people and this is unbearable.
On the other hand, Mussolini and Count Ciano, and the extraordinary envoy, General Zef Seregji, let us understand that there is no such thing as fear, which is circulating among the people, and these are all lies.”
King Zog informs you that: “Italy, with the evidence we have, has decided to attack Albania, that the telegrams and letters that Mussolini sends us are demonstrative, just to throw dust in our eyes. We are isolated, almost from the world good, because nowadays, all the countries are afraid of Nazi-fascism. However, I am trying to do what is possible, so that we can overcome this danger this time, like the other times.
I have tried to convince neighboring countries, such as Yugoslavia and Greece, that an occupation by fascist Italy is not only for Albania. But the goals are against the entire Balkans. That after Albania, they will be at their gates, of Yugoslavia and Greece. Well, today, fascism is not only the enemy of Albania, but of the entire Balkans, as we informed them before. But, without any fear of being scared, and this drum before the year is over, it will be at their gates.
So, we have decided, no matter what, not to accept any condition that endangers and harms Albania’s independence. Even if Italy is fascist, it wants or thinks to teach us militarily. Therefore, I am repeating to you once again that: These were the reasons I ordered you as early as a month and a half ago, to prepare and, to be ready as soon as possible at any time, to perform the duty sacred that belongs to them. And now, I would like you to assure me that, how far have you reached in the preparation, according to the instructions and the plan presented? Tell me: Do you have shortages that eventually, the situation did not allow you to fill them”, – said the King to the Commanders.
After that, the Commander of the National Defense, General Xhemal Aranitasi, as well as the Commander-in-Chief of the Gendarmerie, Colonel Shefki Shatku, stood up and submitted: “Madhni, based on the orders of Your Majesty, and according to the plan presented on March 5 1939, we have completed all those preparations and the necessary military burden, as well as the division of the Action Sectors, according to the order that was communicated to us by Colonel Huasin Selman. Today, we will present to you the preparation plan, with all completed order details”.
King Zog, after listening to the two commanders about completing the commissioned powers, was satisfied, and turned to them and said: “I am pleased when the Army together with the Gendarmerie, you have completed the ordered cadres, are found ready to perform the sacred duty that belongs to you for the Motherland. Now, Mr. Commanders, you have accepted all responsibility for the defense of the Motherland, within the presented plan, against any attack that may happen to you,” said the King.
The Commander of the National Defense, General Xhemal Aranitasi, and the Commander of the Gendarmerie, Colonel Shefki Shatku, both stood up and declared: “As your Majesty orders, we accept taking full responsibility for the implementation of the plan, under the orders of Your Majesty”. presented them plainly to the King.
After that, King Zog said to you: “I trust that you will carry out the heavy task you undertake. You must know that the whole fate of the Motherland and the integrity of the Nation depend on the brave little army and I order that, The Guard Command has its two battalions at the disposal of the National Defense Command.” And so, I shook your hand and they left, and the King was left alone with Prime Minister Kota, talking about the Greek Prime Minister, Metaxas.
The Commander of the National Defense, General Xhemal Aranitasi and the Chief of Staff, General Gustav Myrdash, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Gendarmerie, Colonel Shefki Shatku, presented to the King, together with the complete plan on the distribution of forces between sectors, with all the details. They were ready, while the order was communicated to all the commanders to be ready. “However, we have not yet sent you the activity plan, pending Your Majesty’s order, so that you like it then, and then implement it immediately,” they said.
The king liked it and said: “I command you, and you are full of competence, to act according to the prepared plan. But, as I have advised you, without alarm, without falling into the eyes of the Italian organizers, that they investigate all these actions and, in wisdom and secrecy. And now I consider that you are ready. And I thank you and I am very satisfied, from the quick and completely orderly work on what you set out, that you have succeeded in completing the ordered framework. So, I’m telling you, I have complete confidence in the works and how you assure me of these additions, under your responsibility”.
The king was very pleased, as they placed these under their responsibility. Also, he liked the division of the zones and said these words in the presence of the Prime Minister and the Government ministers: “You only know one thing, the war will not last a year, because Germany is not ready. It will take an hour or so.” first, to use the weapons, before the others are prepared, but they have lost the war one hundred percent.
Here, this is also the attitude of our neighbors, that they also see it very well, but they don’t make a sound. And today, we are in the critical phase. What if Turkey had helped us a little in a friendly way, to intervene next to Germany, it would have had an effect. But even she hardly has the possibility to ask him to remain neutral, while this one is allied with Great Britain and does not interfere.
If Yugoslavia and Greece, at least, remain neutral and do not propagate in favor of fascism, we will be able, for 6 months, to maintain the war against Italy, among the mountains. Thus, the European war would occupy us, inside Albania. But all this depends on them. Because they will not be able to remain neutral and indirectly, they will help us with weapons and ammunition.
This depends on Great Britain and France, because if they provide them, they help us, and especially Greece. But it is quite unbelievable, because we are also advised to compromise, so as not to cause a war, whereas a compromise, as they say yes, it is impossible because it violates all the currents of sovereignty and we become traitors, put a black and unforgivable stain on the Albanian people, in front of the whole world.
However, we, in no way, have any other path, apart from the one we are following, and possibly with this small army, to make every sacrifice, so that the great European war finds us in the mountains of Albania inside. Where, at that time, we will have allies in the entire democratic world, and as I told you, that Nazi-fascism, the war, has lost one hundred percent. In this you can be sure that their reserves will be exhausted quickly, while those of Britain, France and America are coming to add to you,” concluded the King./Memorie.al
