ALBANIA’S FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1939, Page 5

ALBANIA’S FORCES

TWO PLANES & TWELVE TANKS. TOWNS SHELLED AND BOMBED BY ITALIANS. LONDON, April 8. The first Italian attempt to land at Durazzo had a touch of rustic drama. A score of officers put off in a pinnace, and when asked for their papers replied: “We have come to occupy the country.” Shots were exchanged, after which the fighting began in earnest with a heavy bombardment from air and, sea. The Albanian air force consisted of two planes and the mechanised forces consisted of 12 tanks. The army possessed fewer than 100 pieces of artillery. The Albanian News Agency stated before the arrival of the Italians that Durazzo was shelled four times. Valona was twice bombed from the air and three times shelled from the sea. Santa Quaranta was bombed three times from the air and shelled three times from the sea. San Gievanni and Dimedua are stated to have been reduced to ruins. After the Italians had reached Tirana the Italian news agency reported that armed bands released convicts during the night, who sacked the Royal Palace, and the residence of King Zog’s sisters. Roving gangs kept the city in a state of panic throughout the night, firing rifles and looting. At one period they threatened the Italian legation, but withdrew. Police officers, assisted by Italians and citizen volunteers, finally restored order and made several arrests. It is announced that an entire Italian regiment was transported by air to Tirana from Taranto. HOMAGE PAID ALBANIA’S TEMPORARY CABINET. AWAITING COUNT CIANO’S PROGRAMME. (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, April 9. - A British United Press correspondent at Rome says a temporary Cabinet of leading Albanians, formed to administer Albanian affairs, have telegraphed paying homage to Signor Mussolini, welcoming the glorious Italian army and saying they are hopefully awaiting the execution of Count Ciano’s programme of order, prosperity and justice. FORCES IN ALBANIA INFANTRY, ARTILLERY & TANKS. NEARLY FOUR HUNDRED PLANES. ROME. April 9. It is officially stated that the Italian forces in Albania consist of four regiments of Bersaglieri, one infantry division, three tank battalions, also artillery. service corps detachments and 384 aeroplanes. The Italians who left Albania before the invasion have been invited to return. APPEAL FOR OBEDIENCE. PREFECTS CIRCULARISED. (Received This Day. 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, April 9. A Tirana message says the president of the provisional government has circularised prefects throughout the country appealing for obedience to Italian troops and ordering that they be received warmly and respectfully.