Part Six
Memorie.al / The CIA have revealed the great role that the Soviet Union played in communist Albania. In several “Top Secret” documents, but declassified for years now, it is shown that the USSR built several important military bases, especially in the south of the country. There, details are given about the submarines that Moscow had on Sazan Island and in the Bay of Vlorë, as well as air bases, such as those at Rinas, Kuçova, etc. Then, an overview of political developments is provided, mentioning the dismissal of Defense Minister Beqir Balluku in the summer of 1974 from all his functions in the army and the party. Likewise, a special place in the declassified CIA documents is given to those dealing with Albanian political emigrants in Yugoslavia, who were incorporated into the Prizren Committee, initially led by Apostol Tanefi, and under pressure from the UDB (Yugoslav secret police), which recruited them through coercive measures, such as returning to Albania, etc.
Continued from the previous issue
Published in Skopje, “Flaka e Vllaznimit”
September 1952
The Power Struggle of Albanian Leaders
This article may be of interest for its detailed explanations of the Shehu-Hoxha relationship. According to it, Hoxha maintains his power through Soviet support, but his need for a strong right-hand man will prevent him from eliminating Mehmet Shehu.
The complicated maneuvers for power among the Albanian Stalinists are now known to all, despite their efforts to keep them secret. It is also known that the winner of this debate must have Moscow’s backing. Although they act as friends in public, the two leaders in the power struggle are Enver Hoxha and Mehmet Shehu. Shehu finds it difficult to tolerate Hoxha’s leadership, since according to him, Hoxha lacks military competence or courage, and during the war, Shehu had much more popularity than Hoxha.
The clashes between the two rivals have caused the entire government to split into two camps. Soviet influence, without which nothing can happen in the satellite countries of the USSR, appears to be serving only to complicate matters. Enver Hoxha has supported the Soviet general Glebov, while Shehu has taken the side of the then Soviet minister in Albania, Chuvakin.
When the situation reached its peak, Hoxha’s loyalist Manush Myftiu was sent to seek clarifications from Moscow on the situation that had arisen and received some instructions and recommendations from the Soviet general Glebov. At that time, Chuvakin had gone to Moscow and was supporting Shehu.
The Kremlin heard the complaints of both parties and decided in favor of Hoxha, since it clearly appears that the Kremlin places more trust in incompetent and cowardly leaders. But the conflict has not ended. Chuvakin did not return to Albania, and his position is now held by General Levishkin. Meanwhile, Hoxha is consolidating his power, appointing new names to the cabinet.
He relieved Myftiu from the post of deputy minister and promoted him higher in the party. Another significant blow to Shehu was the appointment of Bedri Spahiu as Minister of Education. Karaman Ylli was gradually removed from the post of Minister of Culture, with praise for his work and achievements. Lefter Lakrori was also dismissed from the post of Agricultural Procurement, and Josif Pashko is no longer Minister of Security.
Their positions are now being filled with people who have Hoxha’s full confidence, such as Maqo Çomo, Deputy Minister of Security, and Haki Toska, in Agricultural Procurement. Nevertheless, Shehu’s post is still secure due to Hoxha’s need for a cold and ruthless collaborator in carrying out police terror. Many examples could be cited proving that Hoxha is afraid of Shehu and will not take steps to eliminate him; therefore, the current situation will most likely continue.
May 27, 1952
Memorandum
Comments by Jacob T. Beam regarding Albania and related matters.
With reference to Cold War strategy documents and for general operational purposes, I am forwarding to you some statements and observations made by Mr. Beam, who is the second officer of our embassy in Belgrade. He has just returned from Belgrade after a one-year tour. Beam is a sharp political observer, and his views should be of interest to us. Regarding Albania, Mr. Beam believes that the Yugoslavs are sticking to their policies of a year ago.
Their policy is to continue keeping things simmering slowly in Albania, but they are not willing to do anything that would disturb the regime at present, for fear of some reprisal from the Soviets. They continue to think that if Yugoslavia is attacked from the East, they will immediately occupy all of Albania, and as far as is known, they do not intend to allow participation by Greece or other countries in this occupation. The Yugoslavs are believed to have several agents entering and leaving Albania, who are quite well informed about the current situation in the country.
The Situation in Albania
Since 1948, when Tito’s regime broke with the Soviet Union, Albania has been isolated from land contact with the Soviet satellite countries. This, in addition to the country’s rugged terrain and the old clandestine traditions of the Albanians, especially in the tribal areas of the north, appears to make Albania a promising target for clandestine operations aimed at overthrowing the current communist regime. The presence of a large number of Albanian refugees in Europe suggests the development of a political center outside Albania, composed of representatives of anti-totalitarian elements friendly to US policies in the Balkans, which could serve as a starting point for anti-communist elements within Albania.
American and British intelligence services in the summer of 1949 were responsible for the formation of the National Committee of “Free Albania” (NCFA), which is a political center of representatives of democratic Albanian refugees, and which could serve as cover for covert operations in Albania. Since then, operations of the political and military branches have been conducted in the name of the NCFA.
Proposal
The NCFA is a representative grouping of Albanian refugees that acts as a focal point for those ultimately interested in the liberation of Albania. The grouping acts as official cover for unofficial CIA activities and serves as an instrument for public denunciation of the plight of the enslaved Albanians in Albania. It is controlled by the CIA and British MI6 services. The leaders of the NCFA have been made clearly aware that under no circumstances are they considered the “Government in Exile” of Albania.
Tasks and Proposals
Publication of the newspaper “Shqipëria” in the Albanian language, and use of its main content for propaganda brochures dropped by air into Albania. Timely publication of periodic bulletins on Albania, published in English, French, and Italian, distributed to major Western press agencies.
(Preparation of the content for the Shqipëria publication has been carried out according to Project OBTUSE, which is supported and assisted by OBLIVIOUS)
Preparation of texts for propaganda brochures and writing of clandestine radio broadcasts. The operation of “poison pen” letters by mail, directed against top leaders of the communist regime in Albania. Monitoring of Radio-Tirana, monitoring of world press for news about Albania that could be used in our propaganda program. Liaison with emigrant groups, especially those belonging to the National Committee of “Free Albania.”
Personnel
An officer from the main headquarters will maintain liaison with the NCFA’s main headquarters in New York. All other liaison contacts will be maintained by the CIA’s Albania group, except for contacts with the Shqipëria publication agent in Rome, who will liaise with an SE (Service) officer.
Groups and Local Leaders
The NCFA is composed of representatives of the main political groups of Albania as well as independents. Its executive committee is made up of leaders of all groups, following its reorganization in December 1953, which included elements previously not represented.
Target Groups
The targeted group is the Albanian people, in the sense that all efforts of the NCFA aim to create an atmosphere of resistance against the regime and ultimately liberate the people from it. / Memorie.al
To be continued in the next issue
