“Never in my life have I been so despaired as when I saw this representative of the New Albania, your colonel, who…!” / Noli’s letters to Enver, following his meeting with Tuk Jakova in New York, 1946.

By Alma Mile

Part Three

Memorie.al / Even though he had declared his retirement from politics to devote himself to church activities, Fan Noli never truly detached from it. This is evident in the years 1945, 1946, and 1947, through his correspondence with Enver Hoxha. From what we read, Noli acted as a mediator between Albania and the United States, striving for Albania’s admission to the United Nations, UNRRA, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the U.S. Noli reported all the latest American developments regarding these matters to Enver Hoxha. It was clear that he supported Hoxha’s policies but placed heavy emphasis on establishing ties with America.

This correspondence is part of a work prepared by scholar Nasho Jorgaqi and published by “Erik” Publishing House. It contains 544 letters sent by Noli to various personalities – politicians, clerics, friends, and family – and their replies, which speak volumes about his personality.

Continued from the previous issue…

Letter from Enver Hoxha to Fan Noli

To Mr. Fan Noli

April 1946

We are deeply saddened to see that the American press and high-ranking American figures maintain an unfair and hostile stance toward Albania, which fought with rare bravery for the common cause.

The issue of the so-called Northern Epirus, raised by Greek fascists and defended by these personalities, certainly does not strengthen the friendship of the Albanian people with the United States. Defending such an insane thesis carries international responsibility; to protect fascist thieves who seek to seize another’s land is to become a partner in this piracy.

Everyone should be convinced that Albania is not easily carved up by shouting or “decisions” made around green tables. If Albania’s borders are violated, we assure you that we will defend them to the last man, and the fascist aggressors will not achieve their goal.

Whoever wishes may discuss the “issue of Southern Albania,” but they should remember that between the “decisions” Greek fascists may take and its execution lays a border in Southern Albania that will be very difficult to cross. We do not negotiate our fatherland; we defend it against any aggressor. For this, the Albanian people are on their feet, just as all of you, our dear brothers in America, are.

Our people wish to live free in their land and in good relations with everyone. We are certain you agree that our people fought not to enter a new slavery, but to live free and honored. We are convinced that our brothers in America will rise to defend the rights of the motherland, as they have always done.

General Colonel Enver Hoxha

Letter from Fan Noli to Enver Hoxha

To General Enver Hoxha

Prime Minister of Albania, Tirana

September 30, 1946

Mr. Prime Minister,

Colonel Tuk Jakova, in the farewell message he published in “Dielli” on September 18 (enclosed herein), has opened a war against me with several ugly accusations and insinuations. I cannot respond publicly for the time being, as I do not wish to embarrass the government during this critical time, nor indirectly strike your delegate. I will speak once the crisis passes. For now, I can only complain to you for sending us this unhewn block of wood (kërcu të pagdhendur).

To begin with, the Colonel knows no Albanian – neither Gheg nor Tosk; in whatever dialect I spoke to him, he could not understand me because he is an uncultured fool. Never in my life have I been so despaired as when I saw this man as the representative of the New Albania.

Despite this, upon his arrival in New York, I offered him my help, my knowledge, and my experience without conditions or reservations, expecting no reward or office. Yet, he looked at me askance with the instinctive mistrust of a barbarian toward a learned man. I speak only of the Colonel, as the other delegates were so dominated by him that he ignored them entirely.

At the first meeting, we discussed lectures for the Albanian colonies. It took the soul out of me to set a program, which the Colonel then altered and mutilated, listening to those he trusted – children who shared his mentality.

After the lectures, we moved to diplomatic action. I advised the Colonel to immediately seek a meeting with the Secretary-General, Mr. Trygve Lie. I prepared the way through Professor Laugier, a high-ranking UN official. But the Colonel viewed every step I advised with suspicion, thinking I was setting a trap. He barely agreed to see the Professor.

The conversation with Trygve Lie lasted a few minutes with two interpreters. The Colonel spoke Albanian, Behar translated into French, and a Secretariat interpreter translated into English for Trygve Lie. From this conversation with two translators, the Colonel drew the grotesque conclusion that Albania’s admission to the UN was a finished deal. He telegraphed Tirana, putting the government to sleep with the news of an imaginary triumph. I was at his doorstep, ready to serve as an interpreter, but he did not call me because he did not trust me.

In late August, the Colonel went to Washington. Upon his return, he assured me that the reconnection of ties between the American Red Cross and the Albanian Red Cross was a finished deal. As it turned out, the Colonel again fell victim to his naivety and ignorance of the language. Not only was the matter not fixed, it was completely ruined. Now, the American Red Cross has blocked the aid collected here and will not let it go to Albania.

Regarding the issue of unification, please read the communique published by “Vatra” in “Dielli” on September 25. You will see that “Vatra” proposed a total merger of the two organizations and received no response from Free Albania. The Colonel knows this well but did not mention it. Why, then, did the Colonel open a war against “Vatra” and me before these talks concluded?

Now I come to the conclusion: Because of the Colonel’s stupidities, I will not change my stance toward Albania and your government in theory. But in practice, things change. If you want my cooperation, you must send a man who trusts me and who knows at least Albanian so we can communicate. For foreigners, he must know at least English, as French does not carry much weight here.

Two words on relations with America, which are the key to your problems here. I am tired of repeating that you must accept the treaties in principle without conditions. Once you establish diplomatic relations, the Red Cross issue will resolve itself.

One final word. When the Colonel opened war against me, he perhaps forgot he was the delegate of Albania. But the people believe he speaks in the name of the government. Now, if you are not of the same mind as the Colonel, you must advise him to retract his accusations. If he does not, I will be forced to conclude that the government approves of the war he declared against me. Logic, unfortunately, demands it. And then, our cooperation ends in practice. I hope the Colonel’s episode is merely the nightmare of one bad night./Memorie.al

I remain, with brotherly greetings,

Yours in faith, Bishop F.S. Noli

September 30, 1946