VALONA BOMBARDED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 April 1939, Page 7

VALONA BOMBARDED

HEAVY FIGHTING IN VICINITY OF CITY Italians Twice Driven Off at Durazzo LONDON, April 7. It is revealed that the Albanian seaport of Valona was heavily bombarded during the night. It is announced in Tirana that Valona is being continuously shelled and that heavy fighting is going on in the vicinity. Italians attempting to land at Durazzo were twice driven off. Italian planes flew over Tirana in the early morning and dropped pamphlets announcing the Italian landings and warning the population not to resist under a threat, of "atrocious military measures." The population was invited to surrender to the King Emperor who would impose peace. It is officially stated in Rome that Italian troops left for Albania during the night from Brindisi and Bari. At dawn an air force squadron was ordered to take off for an unrevealed destination. Later reports from Valona state that street fighting is continuing. The Albanian agency reports that there is the sternest resistance at all points where the Italians have landed. Blood is flowing in streams in the vicinity of Valona. The Albanian Cabinet is sitting in the royal palace. Latest advices state that the Italians are employing between 40.00’0 and 60.000 troops. Transports are continually leaving Brindisi and Bari.