By Hysen Selmani
The fifth part
Memorie.al/ European and American press have often addressed the subject 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 Zog, the King of the Albanians.
Continues from last issue
Tirana, on April 2, 1939
Italy’s minister accredited to Albania, Jacomoni, returned from Rome on April 3, 1939, where he presented the Albanian government with the copy of the treaty prepared in Palazzo Chigi, in which he asked to be signed and ratified immediately. These events resembled when the King of Italy, Victor Emanuel III, declared to the world the existence of friendship and good relations between Albania and Italy. The Royal Government of Albania, in order to consult the opinion of the people, before taking the final decision, addressed you to the Parliament, given that the issue in substance was of vital importance for the existence and independence of the state. The parliament, united unanimously with the government, categorically rejected the Italian demands, since those demands violated the independence of Albania.
In this meeting, a commission composed of all the parliamentary groups was also appointed, to appear before King Zog, to present the Parliament’s decision, which had to do with the non-acceptance of the demands presented by the Italian government.
The Parliamentary Commission, under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the Parliament, Pandeli Evangjeli and the Prime Minister, Koço Kotta, were immediately accepted by His Majesty Zog I, King of the Albanians. They presented the Parliament’s decision on not accepting the demands of the Italian government, as they violated the independence of Albanian sovereignty.
King Zog fully agreed with the opinion of the Parliament, together with the government, and said: “Italy has decided to teach us militarily. All our efforts to eliminate this risk, as you know, have been in vain. Every attempt we have made near Mussolini, with promises and guarantees, which do not agree with a manly behavior, are all dust in the eyes, to gain time.
We have informed the Balkan states, such as Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey, in detail about the intentions of Italy, which is occupying Albania. Tomorrow is their turn. They frankly informed them about the guarantees that Italy gave us, that Albania would not only remain independent, but a Greater or ethnic Albania would be created, I let them understand that this thing will completely change the geographical map of the Balkans. But they didn’t appreciate it because fear kept them silent.
Also, I told Great Britain, France and the United States of America openly that: Fascist Italy occupies Albania, as a spearhead against Yugoslavia and Greece, in the interest of Germany, which will soon break out in a European war. . But, they are not ready and, instead of advising Italy, they advise us to be wise.
So, anyway, we have no other way but what we are doing. We know very well that our small forces, unarmed, unsupported by anyone, even morally, cannot stop large armies armed with more modern weapons and 50 times larger than us. Well, one thing is that, those two drops of pure blood and full of Albanian patriotism definitely have to ensure, with full honesty and splendor, the independence of their holy country, Albania, attracting all the admiration of the world civilized.
However, we are not causing any harm; on the contrary, we are covering many violations, no matter what. We want friendship and until the end, we will stay loyal to the alliance with Italy and we want an improvement, which depends on them”.
The king, after finishing the conversation, got up and when he was leaving and when he was shaking your hand, he said textually: “I prefer my death and the throne, than to betray my country and my Albanian people”, and with these words, I shake your hand and came out, arresting the Speaker of the Parliament, Pandeli Evangjeli and the Prime Minister, Koço Kotta. The king, with these two, spoke long and wide, about some words that were whispered by some people, ministers and deputies, where they say that: the government’s behavior and policy towards Italy has not been well thought out, that it is lacking to take taking into account the circumstances in which we find ourselves, to weave the best interests of the homeland, etc.
“I don’t like these conversations,” said the King. Before I call them, I want you to call them and talk to them, asking them, which would be of more interest to our country. For this, we are both trying to find a solution in the interest of the country. As for the government, it is quite easy for it to resign and take power that is worthy of fixing the dangers that are threatening us. So, not only the government, as long as it takes their minds and there is security, even myself, to save Albania, this time dangerous, I am ready to resign and proclaim a new regime, if someone guarantees you, the salvation of the homeland.
That I, being the King of the Albanians, have sworn to protect the interests of this nation, inviolable, especially, as a son of this nation that I am. I will do what is possible, to try to smooth things over, and what Italy wants, with which I do not agree, with the very rule and independence of Albania, nor with the honesty of the nation. So, until I am the King of this Nation, we will never accept that the rights of Albania’s Independence are violated. Not even to smear you Albanians.
So, openly, you should also talk about this, do it and talk about it in the parliament, because words on the street, we don’t want, today any Albanian, and especially the deputies and ministers, for the interest of the homeland, should show their opinion openly. No one has prevented them, and this should be resolved as soon as possible, after these talks are held, let the government ask for the people’s vote of confidence on the actions that will take place in the interest of the homeland”.
After these words and talks, the Speaker of the Parliament, Pandeli Evangjeli and the Prime Minister, Koço Kotta, came out and went together. It was lunch time, while the King, leaving, said to me: “I’m going up a little, and if anyone is coming, keep me here and let me know.”
Indeed, as soon as the King went upstairs, the Commander of the National Defense, General Xhemal Aranitasi, came. The king heard that I was talking to him and came down. He accepted it immediately. The latter presented him with an order, where he says that: “The Gendarmerie battalions have not yet arrived at the designated places and a large part of the Army’s complement has not ended, because we have not acted according to the orders , to appear in motion of mobilization. Except, there is an exception that of the Gendarmerie school, under Major Murat Bashen”.
The upset king says: “What are these new reports, contrary to the first ones, when you presented the alignment plan?! No commander, – said the King – I am based on what you have provided me yourself, under your responsibility”.
King Zog I turned to Hysen Selman and said: “Colonel, go with the commander, General Xhemal Aranitas, both to the National Defense Command and to the General Command of the Gendarmerie and tell the Gendarmerie commander, colonel Shefki Shatku, that within 24 hours, the 6 battalions of the Gendarmerie will be deployed, according to the plan, and in case he needs means of transport, give him as many companies as he needs and investigate well, I don’t want words! After that, come together, both of you, to tell me the truth”.
When we went to the National Defense Command, General Aranitasi and Colonel Selmani called the Gendarmerie Commander, Colonel Shatku. He came together with lieutenant colonel Sami Koka, vice president of the General Staff. In the presence of Commander Aranitas and Lieutenant Colonel Sami Koka, Colonel Selmani said to the Commander of the Gendarmerie, these words: “Mr. Colonel Shatku, you still haven’t brought me, the battalions of the Gendarmerie, to the places that the command has designated. And this should have been completed ten days ago, in the places that have been designated. This is not at all understandable”.
Colonel Shatku answered you: “Mr. Colonel Selmani, no, it is not true, that I submitted it to you in writing, making it available. But I don’t have means of transport; the Defense Command itself has to transport them. They are already:
- The battalion of the Gendarmerie School in Burrel, under the command of Major Murat Basha.
- The battalion in Elbasan, under the command of Major Xhafer Shkëmb.
- The battalion in Berat, under the command of Major Mahmut Golem.
- The battalion in Zerqan, under the command of Captain Xhemal Herri.
- The battalion in Gjirokastra, under the command of Major Gjek Marashi.
- The battalion in Shkodër, under the command of Major Llesh Marashi, is here now, I am handing it over to you”.
Colonel Selmani, a little upset, said: “I don’t understand Mr. Colonel, what you mean, to transport them with trucks?! But these are troops with light material and not with a great distance, who could have marched on foot. They, even during the day, reached the designated places. This makes me understand that there is no harmony and sincere trust between you, so you need to know that all responsibility rests with both of you, the commanders and the Minister of the Interior, who is in charge, to provide all the necessary support that you will ask for.
Today, the two of you, not only have agreed, but at every moment, be like two brothers, that the King has trusted you and charged you with your wish, all the responsibility of the activity. So, in case you have disagreements and mistrust, I now, as soon as I return to the Palace, have to submit to His Majesty, King Zog, that, between the two commanders, there is no trust and they do not cooperate. Your duty is not a private duty, but a sacred duty of the state and you have a responsibility that cannot be forgiven in any way, because time does not wait. Because with these behaviors, we can lose the word given in time by the King and the acceptance from you, taking all the responsibility, you on yourself. Now, please tell me the truth, that on this day, in the evening, I have to come and eventually, based on the order, I can visit the alignment centers”.
After that, he returned to the commander of the National Defense, General Xhemal Aranitas, and saying: “Make available some trucks that need it, so that they can be transported quickly overnight.” In these talks, Hysen Selmani went to the Palace. When he started to leave, the commander of the National Defense told him: “Just a minute, please.” I have a personal word with you to tell you.”
“Okay”, said Colonel Selmani and stopped. They entered a salon where they were alone and he said: “Mr. Colonel Selmani, I am telling you as a friend and in your manhood, I am very shocked and everything is being presented to me against me, and I cannot complete anything.”
When I look at him, the soldier was in tears and he was very tired and worried. This behavior and this attitude surprised him a lot.
He turned to you and said: “I don’t understand you, what do you mean that they oppose you, who and why?! You, commander, must take measures, against anyone, because I am your friend and I will give you all the support, but you must complete the task, don’t forget that all the responsibility is yours. And this, of course, is very serious, against the King and the country, it is an unforgivable thing”.
And got up to go out, when he came from behind, Colonel Sami Koka told him that; the general is sick and doesn’t know what to do.
I went to the Palace, immediately entered the King and presented everything that I saw and how it was decided, in addition, as told to me by the Defense Commander, General Aranitasi, and finally, Lieutenant Colonel Sami Koka, I presented everything that was discussed, and in conclusion, the Command will give the Gendarmerie Command, means of transport, battalions and that I told you, in the hours of the night, the replenishment that was decided will come and it is possible to go to the centers, to prove the achievements and the systematization of forces based on the plan.
At these words, the Prime Minister Koço Kotta and the Minister of the Interior, Musa Juka, came and entered the King. I went out and went to see her Majesty, the Queen, because she was tired, but I was immediately told back that the King wanted me. When I went, he ordered me to stay, while he sat down and they were talking about the situation of the country, in these talks, Musa told me that he had been in the National Defense Command, and they told me that you were not at all satisfied with the actions of commanders, who, it seems, do not get along with each other. Of course, this is what the King had told them.
I answered you: “Yes, it is quite natural that the Minister of the Interior has all the tools to dictate every conversation, but even you, Mr. Minister, do not escape this responsibility, because the duty of the commanders is connected and in common with you”.
But the minister persistently said to me: “Tell us, aren’t the words that I have told him for a long time, even one day, when I presented it in detail to the King, your master was also there, and later, I also told you to the Prime Minister and you, don’t expect anything from the Army and the National Defense Commander, General Xhemal Aranitasi”.
I answered you: “No, no, Mr. Minister, we must understand that the three of us have the same responsibilities, and you more so, not only in ensuring the peace of the country, but also in harmony with the two commanders, giving you help, as among the eventual supports, that they will need, but also to resolve any dispute between them. Just as you are telling me, that here are the tears of fate and honesty, of the homeland and not a joke, to confuse them as much as a lack of them, in the task ordered by the King, you are all three together, without any change in responsibility”.
When I said these words, in the eyes of the King, the Minister of the Interior, Musa Juka, and in the presence of Prime Minister Kotta, he was very upset, and he said to me: “Hysen Beg, I am your master, I have you as a friend and I appreciate your honesty and your manhood, but neither one nor the other, of them, deserve to own the task that has been assigned to you, for this, I informed you as the prime minister and your master, not wanting to annoy the King, about these things, and you did not take any measures , until I was forced to annoy his Majesty, the King, which I have presented to him all”.
The king, very upset, answered: “I understood everything, it’s not a surprise, but all the blame lays with you, colonel, but now leave it, because time does not promise. As you tell me, that the battalions of the Gendarmerie within 24 hours, will occupy the designated places, according to the plan of the National Defense, I am very satisfied, Colonel, in your tirelessness and obvious work.
So, you are the liaison between me and the government, and the commands of the Army and the Gendarmerie, to put all the controls, and to give orders, to fulfill every need, even at 6 o’clock in the evening, to call the commander of National Defense, General Aranitas, as well as the Commander of the Gendarmerie, Colonel, Shefki Shatkun, and here, Mr. Prime Minister, as well as the Minister of the Interior, Juka and Colonel Selmani will be here. Don’t forget to call, lieutenant colonel Sami Kokë”.
After these talks, the King asked the Minister of the Interior, Musa Juka, about the events and impressions among the people, and about the civilian Italians who are in Albania, as merchants, etc.
The Minister submitted: “No, there is nothing new, but as I submitted to you, these demonstrations are not leaving us alone, we are also talking in the prefectures, as in Vlora and Shkodër, and the Italian Consul, Meloni, is still making improper propaganda in the people, yes the prefect, he follows it with great attention, so that the people have understood and do not approach him anymore, but these two places are a little more important than the others.
As for the Army, nothing as I have presented to you, there is no movement. I, according to the order of Your Majesty, have given orders to all the prefects to be in close contact with the Army, and to give all the support, but nothing.
As for the comrades, who were previously worried that the behavior and policy of the government, vis-à-vis Italy, is not good, now more slowly, than after a question that the Speaker of the Parliament asked you, the deputies, about the policy of the government, vis-à-vis Italian behavior, in these recent times, and especially within the requests that have been rejected, not only by the government, but also by the Parliament, here you can clearly see the fate of the homeland, that is, any Albanian, and especially the deputies, who have the responsibility before the people, more than anyone else, they should show their opinion, openly, that this is in the interest of the country”. Memorie.al
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