RIVAL ROYAL SUITORS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 457, 12 September 1928, Page 9

RIVAL ROYAL SUITORS

AHMED ZOGU AND BORIS ITALIAN PRINCESS SOUGHT LONDON, Sept. 6. Behind the proclamation of Ahmed Zogu as King of the Albanians lies a romance, in which two Kings, Zogu and Boris of Bulgaria—described as the loneliest king in the world—are suitors for the pretty Italian Princess Giovanna, with the Prime Minister of Italy, Signor Musolini, looming in the background as the deciding factor, says the “Daily News” foreign , correspondent. Zogu’s elevation will not assist the cause of peace in the Balkans. On the contrary, Yugoslavia is interpreting it as another move in Italy’s campaign to establish a hegemony of the Balkans. The Yugoslavian Foreign Min ister refused to receive the Albanian Charge d’Affaires when he called to announce the change of Government and the Yugoslavian Minister is not returning to Albania. It is believed that Zogu, realising that his kingship will embitter the opposition in certain quarters, is not satisfied with the present Italian support, and has asked for a final security in the form of marriage with Princess Giovanna, whereby Italy, with the Royal Family involved, would be more likely to. defend Albania’s interests. This accounts for Zogu’s message to Rome after his accession, declaring that the Italo-Albanian Alliance is “eternal.” Meanwhile King Boris has already approached Rome with offers for Giovanna’s hand. The Vatican discussed Boris’s position as a member of the Greek Church, and proposed mutual concessions, to which the Italian and Bulgarian Governments agreed. Princess Giovanna has thus become a political puppet. Mussolini is faced with a delicate problem in adjusting the Royal suitors’ claims. Zogu is a romantic adventurer, but cultured and courageous. He has chosen the title of Scanderbeg 111., thereby associating himself with the Albanian national hero, King Scanderbeg 11.