Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, Europe, Volume V

760h.75/8–2345: Telegram

Mr. Alexander G. Kirk, Political Adviser, Allied Force Headquarters, to the Secretary of State

Caserta, June 29, 1945—6 p.m.
[Received June 30—7:51 a.m.]

2815. Our 2787, June 27.³⁰ We are today asking Shantz³¹ at Belgrade to try to obtain confirmation of report³² that secret negotiations for federation are now proceeding between Alban and Yugo Govts. Hodgson³³ has reported that while it is quite possible that negotiations are being conducted on this subject he feels there will be considerable opposition in further [sic] Alban to such federation because of fear there of Slav penetration. He considers also that Alban Army would be strongly against such a proposal and that due this reason federation might be brought about by infiltration of Yugo forces into Alban on pretext of providing assistance to Alban due to menace Greek aggression against Alban over question of northern Epirus.

Kirk

30. Not printed.
31. Harold Shantz, Chargé in Yugoslavia.
32. This report, which seemed to emanate from British military sources, reached the Department in telegrams 2787, June 27, 1945, 2797, June 28, from Caserta, and 54, June 28, from Tirana; none printed.
33. Brig. D. E. P. Hodgson, Commanding British Military Mission in Albania.