Post by kartadolofonos on Oct 31, 2010 2:04:14 GMT -5
What was the role of Albania during the Second World War.
There is unambiguous evidence as to the participation of that country's 1940-41 war against our country.Nevertheless, Albanian historians try, distorting reality, to convince their compatriots were not involved in war or involved few forcibly.
When declaring the First Balkan War (1912-1913) Albanian Muslims fought to defend Turkish interests.
Many Albanians in the Esat Pasha, fought bravely against the Montenegrins and Serbs.
Some fought against the Greeks in Epirus and western Macedonia. But no one thought to be involved in the fight against the Turks to be released, and Albania.
Albania by the Treaty of Bucharest (1913) was declared an independent state, at the insistence of Italy and Austria (of course that interests them). They were aiming their expansion in the Balkans, as shown and then the facts.
In London, the Great Powers put the integrity of Albania under their guarantee.
The same forces in October 1914, to complete effectively the collapse of the artificial constructs that began to divide the country. And all what role played by the Albanians?
One thing is certain: the sympathies of the vast majority of the Albanian population - Muslims and Catholics - then turn to the Austrians and το the Turks.
We must emphasize here that Greece was signed on May 15, 1920 Kapestitsas's agreement to avoid conflict with the Albanians at a time when they had engaged in the Asia Minor campaign.
This agreement was a term dictated that Northern Epirus not yet occupied by Greek troops, excluding the area of Korca, until the final settlement of the northern Question of the Great Powers.
Until 1924, there were various reactions and internal conflicts within Albania, which continued until 1939.
Albanians watched with indifference to the facts and about the same indifference to the left in April 1939 to occupy Albania by Italy.
Albania on November 27, 1926 he signed with Italy the Treaty of Tirana, under which, during the political Univ. Albania under the umbrella of fascist Italy, as already under their policy and financial statements and Italian security”.
This condition resulted in the historic M. Vickers, a significant increase of the Italian military activity in the country, while the presence of Italian officers in almost all military units significantly reduced the independence of the Albanian Army.
Greece has always respected the human and religious rights of Muslims, between those Greek muslim Tsiamides who lived in Greece. Generally the attitude of the Greek authorities towards Muslims has been so liberal and decent that it can not be compared with that of other states.Nevertheless, racial and religious traditions and the dream of the Albanians for the posting of Thesprotia Chamber of Greece and the integration of Albania, fit worse than the propaganda of the Italians, putting them in a continuous conspiratorial actions against the Greek state.
The non-involvement in this was not due to its refusal, but because it belonged to the Italian sphere of influence and the position of Italy was directed, at that time, non-aid actions states have sought to maintain the territorial and political status in 1919.
However, writes Professor of the University Virtue Tounta-Fergadi, Albanian official expressed dissatisfaction with their not invited to sign the pact.
In 1939 the Italian troops under General Goutsoni, landed in Durres, on the morning of April 7.King Zogou was not surprised as they had earlier, before a month or more, intensive diplomatic talks. There was the element of surprise to foreign governments, except perhaps Germany and Yugoslavia.
Not raised any serious resistance against the Italians.
The Albanian people in the majority welcomed the italian soldiers as "liberators."
The events since then succeeded one another with cinematic speed. On April 14, 1939, Albania withdrew from the League of Nations (League). On April 15 was admitted to Kyrinalio (palace in Rome, the summer residence of the popes until 1870, then home of the King of Italy and later president of the Italian Republic), a large Albanian delegation under Prime Minister Verlatsi.
He addressed by the King Emperor in Albanian first and then in Italian and offered him the "crown of Skanderbeg.
The afternoon of the Italian parliament gave its consent for the "personal union" and did the same day the Senate.
He was appointed governor of the king, not a member of the dynasty (he had to speak to the Duke of Bergamo), but the ambassador Ciachomoni.
On April 21 the government decided to set up Verlatsi Albanian Fascist Party. On June 3 of the last act of the Albanian project: delegation of Verlatsi, Dino and Kolikvi and three senior officers handed over to King Victor Emmanuel's decision Albanian government under which the Albanian Army incorporated the Italian army.
The Albanian press before the war had articles on war against Greece.Indeed, the Italian Foreign Minister, Ciano, ordered his deputy to Albania Ciachomoni: "Make sure that the Albanian press are still vivid of the war against Greece.
The German university professor C. Richter writes: "The roots of this military involvement in Italy arrive until 1923, when Mussolini attempted to occupy the island of Corfu and was forced by England and France to abandon the project. The Ciano's calendar says that in August 1940, Mussolini declared that the Greeks eplanation if thought had forgotten that episode, and that the account remained open.
In early June 1939, Mussolini and Ciano, wanting to reduce the anger of the Albanians for the loss of independence, tried to deceive the hopes of cultivating irredentism in Kosovo and Tsamouria, to be released.
According to Italian sources, the attitude of the Albanian leadership declared shortly before the Greco-Italian War that Albania support the Italians. The Italian deputy Ciachomoni in telegram to Ciano, 24 August 1940, inter alia stated: "From everywhere come documents showing the correct orientation of the Albanians are countless applications for classification to voluntary bodies (...).
All the main points of Albania there is interests and dedication to the dictates of Duce Musolini. The movement of the army caused great vibrancy and 'impatience for action ... "
At its meeting on October 15, 1940 at the Palazzo Venezia, the deputy Ciachomoni in Duce's question about how he sees the situation in Albania, said: "In Albania awaiting the action forward. The country is up in arms and people are full of joy.
I can assure you that their enthusiasm is so vivid that lately have been somewhat disappointed because the energy has not yet occurred.
The Italian general Prasca S. Visconti, in his book on the Greek-Italian war, wrote that: "According to Marshal Badoglio's promise before the war, could be sent to Albania for possible action against Greece ... .10.000 rifles for equipment Albanian battalions of volunteers, which would be used as part of coverage.
During the meeting at Palazzo Venezia (15 October 1940) "Mussolini even asked the Ciachomoni me information on the Albanian parts, and expressed the principle that the role of the Albanians should be restricted to a narrow ...". In particular they had established three logistics battalions of reservists Italians (...) and reservists Albanians (...).
Then we proceeded to establish two battalions Albanian Fascist Militia (...)Ciachomoni suggested to establish some battalions Albanian volunteers, two different types: fixed Orders for defense of specific crossings or valleys in the front and orders more agile, capable of sticking to our combat troops.
With the help of the Albanian government and various tribal leaders ensured the possibility of setting up 10-12 overall power light battalions 6-7000 men, selected from the more martial tribes and even those who had some connection with people across borders (pp. obviously meant the Chams). The nimble squads, guerrilla-type groups, intended to be used to cover our divisions
The Military Department, after repeated reminders, finally approved the dispatch of arms to establish the Albanian units. But later he changed his mind and ordered to limit the creation of voluntary Albanian battalions only in southern Albania (to where there was most pro-Greek elements), a total of six battalions (SS V. Prasca mentions "philhellenic = grecofili "purely Greek tribes Northern Epirus).
Asked by Duce at the meeting, "What is the contribution of the Albanians as a regular army, and in disordered which I give great importance", the Prasca replied, "For this we develop such a plan. We propose to organize groups of irregular than 2,500 to 3,000 men, staffed by our officers. "
The Vicar Ciachomoni in secret memo to the Minister Albanian Affairs, Benin on October 19, 1940, among other things writes: "... On the other paved Albanian elements verified courageous, especially Tsams, which will be to enter secretly Greek territory and there, while the army will attack us, we will commit to helping beyond the borders of their friends the following acts: destroying telegraph and telephone wires, removal of outposts and observation points along the border line (... )
Some of these data will be provided by the military intelligence service to some portable transmitters, through which the administration of the army will have news on the exact positions of the Greek troops. Benigno and inform that among the Albanians there is a sense of waiting, trust and wild mood. He writes on October 21 in Benini: "It could be dislodged, but the fighting will last, the Albanian Battalion of the Royal Guard."
The regent of Albania asserted that "there are too many requests for inclusion of Albanians in the Albanian bodies formed, intended to beat the Greeks and to cooperate with the Italian Army, and hopes that the people also called in the armed forces some age ...
THE ITALIAN INVASION IN GREECE - the participation of Albania.
The war between Greece and Italy, which began on October 28, 1940, was extended automatically between Greece and Albania.
Albania, the time associated with the status of "personal union" with Italy, had been accepted by an Act of Parliament of the (Albanian Law, 10 June 1940) that "the Kingdom of Albania recognizes that it is at war with the States to be at war with the Kingdom of Italy. "
Thus the declaration of war by Italy against Greece was at war with our country. So Greece, with the Royal Decree (NW) of November 10, 1940, issued pursuant to IF (Emergency Law) 2636/1940 "Regarding sequestration transactions enemies and enemy property, designated as enemy states" in Italy with the acquisition, of the imperial territories and colonies, and Albania.
The Italian general Visconti Prasca an order of October 21, 1940 reveals that it had assigned to specific officers, together with Albanian drivers to perform reconnaissance on the immediate border area. Further stipulated that the order had to organize special classes consisting mostly Albanians and oly by Italians,
and charged with the suppression of individual goals and Greek with the standard telephone lines.
The notice read by the chairman of the cabinet Verlatsi on October 28, 1940, states inter alia that: "... The glorious soldiers of the Italian Army, whose ranks include many units of Albanian soldiers .
The Italian historian Mario Cervi writes: "In the Italian divisions were also Albanian parts (...) Albanians trained who wish to participate in the War"
The German professor C. Richter notes: "... The overall strength of the Italian Army in Albania two days before the attack amounted to 140,000 men, including (...) and Albanian volunteers.
The American University professor Chartfont, B.Fischer in communication at the Congress of the Institute for Balkan Studies (Institute for Studies of the Balkan Peninsula) in October 1990, reported on the following: "Mussolini had given orders to two squads in Albanian all Italian division, used the invasion of Greece, and in addition had formed three battalions blackshirt Albanians, who had the slogan "all dying for Duce Musolini"
Additional business secret orders of the Governor's Division "Julia" General Mario Ciroti, dating from October 21, 1940 onwards, which later fell into the hands of the Greek Army, revealing that he had assigned to special operations officers, accompanied by local Albanians, bearing Apparel spatial ...
During the initial advance of Division "Julia" in the Pindus attackers used Albanians Italians who knew Greek and shouted to the Greek soldiers to surrender, saying that their struggle had become hopeless if Athens had become a revolution, the government he had fallen The new government was allied with the Axis, etc.
On November 2, 1940 Battalion Albanians attacked Kalpaki desperately without success.
Albanians defector provided information to the Greek Army.
Major Harry Katsimitros, commander of Division VIII, which dealt with the main effort of the Italian attack, writes about the participation of Albanian forces in the division: "blackshirt Participated three battalions (I, II, III), two Albanian infantry battalions (Gramos "and" Drina "), Albanian mountaineering battalion of volunteers and irregular bodies of Albanians."
It denounces the Major, in October 1940 the Albanian Minister of Justice had set up gangs to act on Greek territory.
Lieutenant Alexander Papagos, commander of the Greek Army during the 1940-41 war, said: "All the Italian infantry divisions were reinforced in infantry battalions with Albanians ..."
V. Prasca section in his book from 28 to 31 October 1940", writes a synopsis of the participation of Albanian units as follows: "... Phalanx" Solina "II 1st Battalion of the Legion of Albanian volunteers. Central Column and Management Division "Ferrara" I Albanians Volunteer Battalion. The Albanian battalions of volunteers "Pescosolinto" and "Kiaravalle. (…) The Albanian battalions of volunteers, ahead of the 3rd Grenadier Constitution and moving ..." ... "The Albanian battalions of volunteers, also fully controlled roadway (Igoumenitsa.
The attack on the hill in 1289 Lapistet at 09.30 on 4 November 1940, attended one of the most elite parts of the Albanians, the battalion "Timor", which was able to understand. With immediate counterattack of the Greek Battalion "Timor" and rolled back scattered across the valley stampede.
In the report that followed found that the force of 1,200 men of the battalion had left only a few hundred. Among the dead was the disconsolate, writes M. Tservi, commander of the Order.
Albanian Battalion on November 25, 1940 attended by Italian troops on the offensive to capture the crossroads even Delvinaki. The Albanians occupied the village, but next in the counter-attack by the Greeks reoccupied. The Albanian battalion was lost and several men were arrested prisoners.
On November 12, defected to the Greek speaking Albanian company of soldiers with their officers.
In the early days of the war, when the Italians had entered Greek territory in some areas, with Albanian flag , Diamantis and runagate Matoussis.Diamantis even gave a speech saying he would release Konitsa and formed the Federation of Pindos.
The response of Mussolini (22/11) in a letter to Hitler (20/11) states inter alia: The failure of the Italians due to desertion and Albanian forces that rebelled against the Italians ....
Revealing is what he writes in the log Fernando Compione, reserve lieutenant of the 51st Mountain Infantry Division "Sienna": "... During the period from October 28 to November 14, 1940, when Italian divisions had penetrated parts of Greece, the Chams greeted in all the villages of the Italians as liberators with cheers and excitement ... ".
The Italian historian Cervi M. writes: "As Gen. B. Prasca a discussion of the Prikolo (SS Chief of Staff of the Air Force), a volunteer, heavily wounded, he died before he exclaimed" I am pleased to die for allow the (Chief of Staff of the Air Force) to pass. "
During the Italian spring offensive (March 1941) Mussolini visited various units to boost the morale of the men Devoli area and the region of Berat. Among other visiting groups and volunteer battalions Albanians, the same for which he originally thought and Ciano had caused the first Italian defeats. During the talks he had with them was very excited about the poise and the fury of war.
The German writer Kolecker in his book released in 1942, the attitude of the Albanians during the 1940-41 war Greco writes: "... The Greeks were forced to fight against Albanian bandits at the time of Albanian volunteers with Italian convoys. Fought with tenacity and courage they're placed. (…) There were innumerable cases of award honors on Albanian volunteers
M. Tservi writes that the governor Ciachomoni informed the King of Italy: "... For one month, the Albanians are highly trusted and well adapted to the environment, their morale is standing tall, and the hard work and efficiency of the staff is excellent ..."
The Ciachomoni had organized, writes M. Tservi, "Albanian groups to carry out sabotage, whose role was to penetrate to Greek territory and engage in destruction of the telephone network, to destroy outposts, to disarm guards, rape, causing riots,at the back, to carry out assassination attempts against the generals of the enemy camp and to prepare and stimulate movements among the masses. " The Italian Army has never had the opportunity to benefit from their activities.
General Badoglio in his memoirs wrote: "The Greeks showed no willingness to cooperate. Unlike the Albanian soldiers, who form battalions participated in our divisions, proved faithless and treacherous, and engaged in acts of sabotage against us, or have passed the ranks of the Greeks ... ".
General Al.Edipidis writes that "Albanian sections, well structured and homogeneous strains (Albanian officers and soldiers) fought on 27 November in Fraseri.
Ambassador Adonis Cyrus notes: "... When you finally broke the Greco-Italian War, attended to him despite the Italian side of the enthusiastic and inexperienced Antihellenic Albanians - and none of the Albanians thought in assistance to the victorious Greek army, although he shall, in accordance with the radio voice of Ioannis Metaxas to restore the Albanian freedom, independence and integrity ... ".
When the Greek army occupy Albanian territory, most of the Albanian army forces were dissolved, while the faces of the few Albanians run in the streets, among the Italians, painted a fierce anger against the army that they thought they saw powerful and to be reversed before Greek forces.
The English historian M. Vickers positioned differently: "... The Albanian public opinion was originally celebrated on the Greek triumph, but the attitude changed when Athens began to reveal its intentions to annex southern Albania ... "(!!!).
While there are all these on the participation of Albanians in the war, Albanian historians, distorting reality, the war tried to convince us that they were involved with the Party of Italian or short segments involved forcibly.
Specifically, the Albanian historians S. Polo and A. POUT writes that: "The two Albanian battalions that were sent by force to the war in 1940 refused to fight. The Italians closed the camp in central Albania. The Greek government course of events seemed to give the opportunity to make the old claim plans for the regions of Korce (Korca SS) and Gkirokastr (SS Argirokastro). (….)
Elsewhere continued: "The 1940 was a unique opportunity the Albanian to join the Greek Army.
This explains the categorical refusal of the Greek proposal for the Headquarters of the Albanian anti-fascist patriots to form two battalions and fight with their national flag on the side of the Greek forces against the Italian invaders!
In fact, the Albanians showed complete mistrust and unwillingness to cooperate with the Greek Army. However cooperated with the Italians.The Italian observer Ciachomoni asserted categorically and with specific evidence before the Italian Supreme Court, that "the Albanians everywhere and always helped the Italian Army, noted anywhere without any incident.
1941 - END OF WWII. 1941 –
After the German invasion of Greece (April 1941) and the signing of the capitulation to Germany, the Greek army withdrew from northern Epirus without harassing the Italians.Following the entry of German and Italian troops in our country Italian forces in Albania remained a military occupation.
On May 3, 1941, shortly after the entry of German troops in Athens, writes historian D. Michalopoulos, "Special Committee", which was established by order of the Albanian Government, presented to the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome memorandum setting out the demands Albania against Yugoslavia and Greece.
For Greece the claims included except Tsamouria, Ioannina and Preveza "along with their regions, most of Epirus Tirana calling it a "union" of these territories, and some other Greek regions (mainly in western Macedonia) to the Albanian state. The occupation of Greece by the Axis powers did not make the Albanian aspirations.
The Albanian during the Italian occupation, although there were groups of resistance, effectively collaborating with the Italians.When Italy capitulated in 1943, Albania was occupied by German troops. Again, the Albanians, especially Chams, cooperated with the occupation forces against the Greeks. Vickers writes that "during the German occupation of Albania, the Germans formed an Albanian division SS.
On April 17, 1944 created a unit 35 consisting exclusively of Albanians, called 21 Waffen - Gebirgs - Division der SS «Skanderberg» (albanische Nr.1). The uniforms were similar to the uniforms of the German SS, but the symbols were Albanian.
This unit was created by user himself, Heinrich Himmler and was composed of 11,398 soldiers of Albanian origin who came from the Albanian army, riot police and paramilitary groups and criminal gangs.
It was under the command and control of the Albanian Prime Minister occupation Xafer Devon.
Created by German troops to be transported from Greece and the Balkans in the central Adriatic and to strengthen the defense, which had weakened after the capitulation of the Italians and the withdrawal of troops from the region.
The creation of the SS Skanderbey Division has the greatest opportunity for the creation of "Greater Albania".
The project consisted of AlbanianSS against Orthodox priests murder, destruction of Orthodox churches, rape, theft and comprehensive coverage of German troops during their withdrawal from Greece and later Serbia.
It is worth noting that Balli Kompetar (Nationalist Party) had also cooperated with the Germans.
In conclusion it is worth mentioning that the hostile attitude of the Albanians against our country was then.
One characteristic which the collaborative effort of the rebel forces of Napoleon Zervas EOEA- with the MAVI (Northern Epirus Liberation Units).
This effort failed because of intervention by the K.K.Abania
In another case of attempted integration of Albania and Greece. That some notables Albanians during the occupation came to an agreement with Greek politicians in Thessaloniki establishing Greek-Albanian Federation. The move failed due to reaction of the left Albanians All those involved were killed.
In recognition of Albanian as an independent nation until occupied by the Italians (April 1939), relations with Greece were relatively good. But then, the Italian propaganda supported the irredentist aspirations of Albania. The Albanian press published articles in Greek and cultivated the dream of "Greater Albania".
With the onslaught of the Italians against Greece in October 1940, Albanian infantry battalions and volunteers and irregular forces had joined the Italian formations and took an active part in this War against Greece.it is estimated that 8-10 battalions participated were Albanians. The behavior of the Albanian people against the Greek soldiers in 1940-41 were hostile and friendly to the Italians.
The events that took place from April 1939 onwards, believing that the Albanians hated and still hate everything Greek and Orthodox Christian. Albanians were always enemies of Greece. Cooperated with the Fascist Axis during the Second World War. He always had and still have the ultimate aim of establishing the "Greater Albania".
Unfortunately towards the "good offices" of Albanians in Greece in 1971 restored diplomatic relations with its neighbor, hoping that better protected the rights of the Greek minority in Northern Epirus. Also in 1987, Greece, acting unilaterally abolished the state of war with Albania, status applied from November 1940, without securing guarantees for the Greek minority in Northern Epirus.
There is unambiguous evidence as to the participation of that country's 1940-41 war against our country.Nevertheless, Albanian historians try, distorting reality, to convince their compatriots were not involved in war or involved few forcibly.
When declaring the First Balkan War (1912-1913) Albanian Muslims fought to defend Turkish interests.
Many Albanians in the Esat Pasha, fought bravely against the Montenegrins and Serbs.
Some fought against the Greeks in Epirus and western Macedonia. But no one thought to be involved in the fight against the Turks to be released, and Albania.
Albania by the Treaty of Bucharest (1913) was declared an independent state, at the insistence of Italy and Austria (of course that interests them). They were aiming their expansion in the Balkans, as shown and then the facts.
In London, the Great Powers put the integrity of Albania under their guarantee.
The same forces in October 1914, to complete effectively the collapse of the artificial constructs that began to divide the country. And all what role played by the Albanians?
One thing is certain: the sympathies of the vast majority of the Albanian population - Muslims and Catholics - then turn to the Austrians and το the Turks.
We must emphasize here that Greece was signed on May 15, 1920 Kapestitsas's agreement to avoid conflict with the Albanians at a time when they had engaged in the Asia Minor campaign.
This agreement was a term dictated that Northern Epirus not yet occupied by Greek troops, excluding the area of Korca, until the final settlement of the northern Question of the Great Powers.
Until 1924, there were various reactions and internal conflicts within Albania, which continued until 1939.
Albanians watched with indifference to the facts and about the same indifference to the left in April 1939 to occupy Albania by Italy.
Albania on November 27, 1926 he signed with Italy the Treaty of Tirana, under which, during the political Univ. Albania under the umbrella of fascist Italy, as already under their policy and financial statements and Italian security”.
This condition resulted in the historic M. Vickers, a significant increase of the Italian military activity in the country, while the presence of Italian officers in almost all military units significantly reduced the independence of the Albanian Army.
Greece has always respected the human and religious rights of Muslims, between those Greek muslim Tsiamides who lived in Greece. Generally the attitude of the Greek authorities towards Muslims has been so liberal and decent that it can not be compared with that of other states.Nevertheless, racial and religious traditions and the dream of the Albanians for the posting of Thesprotia Chamber of Greece and the integration of Albania, fit worse than the propaganda of the Italians, putting them in a continuous conspiratorial actions against the Greek state.
The non-involvement in this was not due to its refusal, but because it belonged to the Italian sphere of influence and the position of Italy was directed, at that time, non-aid actions states have sought to maintain the territorial and political status in 1919.
However, writes Professor of the University Virtue Tounta-Fergadi, Albanian official expressed dissatisfaction with their not invited to sign the pact.
In 1939 the Italian troops under General Goutsoni, landed in Durres, on the morning of April 7.King Zogou was not surprised as they had earlier, before a month or more, intensive diplomatic talks. There was the element of surprise to foreign governments, except perhaps Germany and Yugoslavia.
Not raised any serious resistance against the Italians.
The Albanian people in the majority welcomed the italian soldiers as "liberators."
The events since then succeeded one another with cinematic speed. On April 14, 1939, Albania withdrew from the League of Nations (League). On April 15 was admitted to Kyrinalio (palace in Rome, the summer residence of the popes until 1870, then home of the King of Italy and later president of the Italian Republic), a large Albanian delegation under Prime Minister Verlatsi.
He addressed by the King Emperor in Albanian first and then in Italian and offered him the "crown of Skanderbeg.
The afternoon of the Italian parliament gave its consent for the "personal union" and did the same day the Senate.
He was appointed governor of the king, not a member of the dynasty (he had to speak to the Duke of Bergamo), but the ambassador Ciachomoni.
On April 21 the government decided to set up Verlatsi Albanian Fascist Party. On June 3 of the last act of the Albanian project: delegation of Verlatsi, Dino and Kolikvi and three senior officers handed over to King Victor Emmanuel's decision Albanian government under which the Albanian Army incorporated the Italian army.
The Albanian press before the war had articles on war against Greece.Indeed, the Italian Foreign Minister, Ciano, ordered his deputy to Albania Ciachomoni: "Make sure that the Albanian press are still vivid of the war against Greece.
The German university professor C. Richter writes: "The roots of this military involvement in Italy arrive until 1923, when Mussolini attempted to occupy the island of Corfu and was forced by England and France to abandon the project. The Ciano's calendar says that in August 1940, Mussolini declared that the Greeks eplanation if thought had forgotten that episode, and that the account remained open.
In early June 1939, Mussolini and Ciano, wanting to reduce the anger of the Albanians for the loss of independence, tried to deceive the hopes of cultivating irredentism in Kosovo and Tsamouria, to be released.
According to Italian sources, the attitude of the Albanian leadership declared shortly before the Greco-Italian War that Albania support the Italians. The Italian deputy Ciachomoni in telegram to Ciano, 24 August 1940, inter alia stated: "From everywhere come documents showing the correct orientation of the Albanians are countless applications for classification to voluntary bodies (...).
All the main points of Albania there is interests and dedication to the dictates of Duce Musolini. The movement of the army caused great vibrancy and 'impatience for action ... "
At its meeting on October 15, 1940 at the Palazzo Venezia, the deputy Ciachomoni in Duce's question about how he sees the situation in Albania, said: "In Albania awaiting the action forward. The country is up in arms and people are full of joy.
I can assure you that their enthusiasm is so vivid that lately have been somewhat disappointed because the energy has not yet occurred.
The Italian general Prasca S. Visconti, in his book on the Greek-Italian war, wrote that: "According to Marshal Badoglio's promise before the war, could be sent to Albania for possible action against Greece ... .10.000 rifles for equipment Albanian battalions of volunteers, which would be used as part of coverage.
During the meeting at Palazzo Venezia (15 October 1940) "Mussolini even asked the Ciachomoni me information on the Albanian parts, and expressed the principle that the role of the Albanians should be restricted to a narrow ...". In particular they had established three logistics battalions of reservists Italians (...) and reservists Albanians (...).
Then we proceeded to establish two battalions Albanian Fascist Militia (...)Ciachomoni suggested to establish some battalions Albanian volunteers, two different types: fixed Orders for defense of specific crossings or valleys in the front and orders more agile, capable of sticking to our combat troops.
With the help of the Albanian government and various tribal leaders ensured the possibility of setting up 10-12 overall power light battalions 6-7000 men, selected from the more martial tribes and even those who had some connection with people across borders (pp. obviously meant the Chams). The nimble squads, guerrilla-type groups, intended to be used to cover our divisions
The Military Department, after repeated reminders, finally approved the dispatch of arms to establish the Albanian units. But later he changed his mind and ordered to limit the creation of voluntary Albanian battalions only in southern Albania (to where there was most pro-Greek elements), a total of six battalions (SS V. Prasca mentions "philhellenic = grecofili "purely Greek tribes Northern Epirus).
Asked by Duce at the meeting, "What is the contribution of the Albanians as a regular army, and in disordered which I give great importance", the Prasca replied, "For this we develop such a plan. We propose to organize groups of irregular than 2,500 to 3,000 men, staffed by our officers. "
The Vicar Ciachomoni in secret memo to the Minister Albanian Affairs, Benin on October 19, 1940, among other things writes: "... On the other paved Albanian elements verified courageous, especially Tsams, which will be to enter secretly Greek territory and there, while the army will attack us, we will commit to helping beyond the borders of their friends the following acts: destroying telegraph and telephone wires, removal of outposts and observation points along the border line (... )
Some of these data will be provided by the military intelligence service to some portable transmitters, through which the administration of the army will have news on the exact positions of the Greek troops. Benigno and inform that among the Albanians there is a sense of waiting, trust and wild mood. He writes on October 21 in Benini: "It could be dislodged, but the fighting will last, the Albanian Battalion of the Royal Guard."
The regent of Albania asserted that "there are too many requests for inclusion of Albanians in the Albanian bodies formed, intended to beat the Greeks and to cooperate with the Italian Army, and hopes that the people also called in the armed forces some age ...
THE ITALIAN INVASION IN GREECE - the participation of Albania.
The war between Greece and Italy, which began on October 28, 1940, was extended automatically between Greece and Albania.
Albania, the time associated with the status of "personal union" with Italy, had been accepted by an Act of Parliament of the (Albanian Law, 10 June 1940) that "the Kingdom of Albania recognizes that it is at war with the States to be at war with the Kingdom of Italy. "
Thus the declaration of war by Italy against Greece was at war with our country. So Greece, with the Royal Decree (NW) of November 10, 1940, issued pursuant to IF (Emergency Law) 2636/1940 "Regarding sequestration transactions enemies and enemy property, designated as enemy states" in Italy with the acquisition, of the imperial territories and colonies, and Albania.
The Italian general Visconti Prasca an order of October 21, 1940 reveals that it had assigned to specific officers, together with Albanian drivers to perform reconnaissance on the immediate border area. Further stipulated that the order had to organize special classes consisting mostly Albanians and oly by Italians,
and charged with the suppression of individual goals and Greek with the standard telephone lines.
The notice read by the chairman of the cabinet Verlatsi on October 28, 1940, states inter alia that: "... The glorious soldiers of the Italian Army, whose ranks include many units of Albanian soldiers .
The Italian historian Mario Cervi writes: "In the Italian divisions were also Albanian parts (...) Albanians trained who wish to participate in the War"
The German professor C. Richter notes: "... The overall strength of the Italian Army in Albania two days before the attack amounted to 140,000 men, including (...) and Albanian volunteers.
The American University professor Chartfont, B.Fischer in communication at the Congress of the Institute for Balkan Studies (Institute for Studies of the Balkan Peninsula) in October 1990, reported on the following: "Mussolini had given orders to two squads in Albanian all Italian division, used the invasion of Greece, and in addition had formed three battalions blackshirt Albanians, who had the slogan "all dying for Duce Musolini"
Additional business secret orders of the Governor's Division "Julia" General Mario Ciroti, dating from October 21, 1940 onwards, which later fell into the hands of the Greek Army, revealing that he had assigned to special operations officers, accompanied by local Albanians, bearing Apparel spatial ...
During the initial advance of Division "Julia" in the Pindus attackers used Albanians Italians who knew Greek and shouted to the Greek soldiers to surrender, saying that their struggle had become hopeless if Athens had become a revolution, the government he had fallen The new government was allied with the Axis, etc.
On November 2, 1940 Battalion Albanians attacked Kalpaki desperately without success.
Albanians defector provided information to the Greek Army.
Major Harry Katsimitros, commander of Division VIII, which dealt with the main effort of the Italian attack, writes about the participation of Albanian forces in the division: "blackshirt Participated three battalions (I, II, III), two Albanian infantry battalions (Gramos "and" Drina "), Albanian mountaineering battalion of volunteers and irregular bodies of Albanians."
It denounces the Major, in October 1940 the Albanian Minister of Justice had set up gangs to act on Greek territory.
Lieutenant Alexander Papagos, commander of the Greek Army during the 1940-41 war, said: "All the Italian infantry divisions were reinforced in infantry battalions with Albanians ..."
V. Prasca section in his book from 28 to 31 October 1940", writes a synopsis of the participation of Albanian units as follows: "... Phalanx" Solina "II 1st Battalion of the Legion of Albanian volunteers. Central Column and Management Division "Ferrara" I Albanians Volunteer Battalion. The Albanian battalions of volunteers "Pescosolinto" and "Kiaravalle. (…) The Albanian battalions of volunteers, ahead of the 3rd Grenadier Constitution and moving ..." ... "The Albanian battalions of volunteers, also fully controlled roadway (Igoumenitsa.
The attack on the hill in 1289 Lapistet at 09.30 on 4 November 1940, attended one of the most elite parts of the Albanians, the battalion "Timor", which was able to understand. With immediate counterattack of the Greek Battalion "Timor" and rolled back scattered across the valley stampede.
In the report that followed found that the force of 1,200 men of the battalion had left only a few hundred. Among the dead was the disconsolate, writes M. Tservi, commander of the Order.
Albanian Battalion on November 25, 1940 attended by Italian troops on the offensive to capture the crossroads even Delvinaki. The Albanians occupied the village, but next in the counter-attack by the Greeks reoccupied. The Albanian battalion was lost and several men were arrested prisoners.
On November 12, defected to the Greek speaking Albanian company of soldiers with their officers.
In the early days of the war, when the Italians had entered Greek territory in some areas, with Albanian flag , Diamantis and runagate Matoussis.Diamantis even gave a speech saying he would release Konitsa and formed the Federation of Pindos.
The response of Mussolini (22/11) in a letter to Hitler (20/11) states inter alia: The failure of the Italians due to desertion and Albanian forces that rebelled against the Italians ....
Revealing is what he writes in the log Fernando Compione, reserve lieutenant of the 51st Mountain Infantry Division "Sienna": "... During the period from October 28 to November 14, 1940, when Italian divisions had penetrated parts of Greece, the Chams greeted in all the villages of the Italians as liberators with cheers and excitement ... ".
The Italian historian Cervi M. writes: "As Gen. B. Prasca a discussion of the Prikolo (SS Chief of Staff of the Air Force), a volunteer, heavily wounded, he died before he exclaimed" I am pleased to die for allow the (Chief of Staff of the Air Force) to pass. "
During the Italian spring offensive (March 1941) Mussolini visited various units to boost the morale of the men Devoli area and the region of Berat. Among other visiting groups and volunteer battalions Albanians, the same for which he originally thought and Ciano had caused the first Italian defeats. During the talks he had with them was very excited about the poise and the fury of war.
The German writer Kolecker in his book released in 1942, the attitude of the Albanians during the 1940-41 war Greco writes: "... The Greeks were forced to fight against Albanian bandits at the time of Albanian volunteers with Italian convoys. Fought with tenacity and courage they're placed. (…) There were innumerable cases of award honors on Albanian volunteers
M. Tservi writes that the governor Ciachomoni informed the King of Italy: "... For one month, the Albanians are highly trusted and well adapted to the environment, their morale is standing tall, and the hard work and efficiency of the staff is excellent ..."
The Ciachomoni had organized, writes M. Tservi, "Albanian groups to carry out sabotage, whose role was to penetrate to Greek territory and engage in destruction of the telephone network, to destroy outposts, to disarm guards, rape, causing riots,at the back, to carry out assassination attempts against the generals of the enemy camp and to prepare and stimulate movements among the masses. " The Italian Army has never had the opportunity to benefit from their activities.
General Badoglio in his memoirs wrote: "The Greeks showed no willingness to cooperate. Unlike the Albanian soldiers, who form battalions participated in our divisions, proved faithless and treacherous, and engaged in acts of sabotage against us, or have passed the ranks of the Greeks ... ".
General Al.Edipidis writes that "Albanian sections, well structured and homogeneous strains (Albanian officers and soldiers) fought on 27 November in Fraseri.
Ambassador Adonis Cyrus notes: "... When you finally broke the Greco-Italian War, attended to him despite the Italian side of the enthusiastic and inexperienced Antihellenic Albanians - and none of the Albanians thought in assistance to the victorious Greek army, although he shall, in accordance with the radio voice of Ioannis Metaxas to restore the Albanian freedom, independence and integrity ... ".
When the Greek army occupy Albanian territory, most of the Albanian army forces were dissolved, while the faces of the few Albanians run in the streets, among the Italians, painted a fierce anger against the army that they thought they saw powerful and to be reversed before Greek forces.
The English historian M. Vickers positioned differently: "... The Albanian public opinion was originally celebrated on the Greek triumph, but the attitude changed when Athens began to reveal its intentions to annex southern Albania ... "(!!!).
While there are all these on the participation of Albanians in the war, Albanian historians, distorting reality, the war tried to convince us that they were involved with the Party of Italian or short segments involved forcibly.
Specifically, the Albanian historians S. Polo and A. POUT writes that: "The two Albanian battalions that were sent by force to the war in 1940 refused to fight. The Italians closed the camp in central Albania. The Greek government course of events seemed to give the opportunity to make the old claim plans for the regions of Korce (Korca SS) and Gkirokastr (SS Argirokastro). (….)
Elsewhere continued: "The 1940 was a unique opportunity the Albanian to join the Greek Army.
This explains the categorical refusal of the Greek proposal for the Headquarters of the Albanian anti-fascist patriots to form two battalions and fight with their national flag on the side of the Greek forces against the Italian invaders!
In fact, the Albanians showed complete mistrust and unwillingness to cooperate with the Greek Army. However cooperated with the Italians.The Italian observer Ciachomoni asserted categorically and with specific evidence before the Italian Supreme Court, that "the Albanians everywhere and always helped the Italian Army, noted anywhere without any incident.
1941 - END OF WWII. 1941 –
After the German invasion of Greece (April 1941) and the signing of the capitulation to Germany, the Greek army withdrew from northern Epirus without harassing the Italians.Following the entry of German and Italian troops in our country Italian forces in Albania remained a military occupation.
On May 3, 1941, shortly after the entry of German troops in Athens, writes historian D. Michalopoulos, "Special Committee", which was established by order of the Albanian Government, presented to the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome memorandum setting out the demands Albania against Yugoslavia and Greece.
For Greece the claims included except Tsamouria, Ioannina and Preveza "along with their regions, most of Epirus Tirana calling it a "union" of these territories, and some other Greek regions (mainly in western Macedonia) to the Albanian state. The occupation of Greece by the Axis powers did not make the Albanian aspirations.
The Albanian during the Italian occupation, although there were groups of resistance, effectively collaborating with the Italians.When Italy capitulated in 1943, Albania was occupied by German troops. Again, the Albanians, especially Chams, cooperated with the occupation forces against the Greeks. Vickers writes that "during the German occupation of Albania, the Germans formed an Albanian division SS.
On April 17, 1944 created a unit 35 consisting exclusively of Albanians, called 21 Waffen - Gebirgs - Division der SS «Skanderberg» (albanische Nr.1). The uniforms were similar to the uniforms of the German SS, but the symbols were Albanian.
This unit was created by user himself, Heinrich Himmler and was composed of 11,398 soldiers of Albanian origin who came from the Albanian army, riot police and paramilitary groups and criminal gangs.
It was under the command and control of the Albanian Prime Minister occupation Xafer Devon.
Created by German troops to be transported from Greece and the Balkans in the central Adriatic and to strengthen the defense, which had weakened after the capitulation of the Italians and the withdrawal of troops from the region.
The creation of the SS Skanderbey Division has the greatest opportunity for the creation of "Greater Albania".
The project consisted of AlbanianSS against Orthodox priests murder, destruction of Orthodox churches, rape, theft and comprehensive coverage of German troops during their withdrawal from Greece and later Serbia.
It is worth noting that Balli Kompetar (Nationalist Party) had also cooperated with the Germans.
In conclusion it is worth mentioning that the hostile attitude of the Albanians against our country was then.
One characteristic which the collaborative effort of the rebel forces of Napoleon Zervas EOEA- with the MAVI (Northern Epirus Liberation Units).
This effort failed because of intervention by the K.K.Abania
In another case of attempted integration of Albania and Greece. That some notables Albanians during the occupation came to an agreement with Greek politicians in Thessaloniki establishing Greek-Albanian Federation. The move failed due to reaction of the left Albanians All those involved were killed.
In recognition of Albanian as an independent nation until occupied by the Italians (April 1939), relations with Greece were relatively good. But then, the Italian propaganda supported the irredentist aspirations of Albania. The Albanian press published articles in Greek and cultivated the dream of "Greater Albania".
With the onslaught of the Italians against Greece in October 1940, Albanian infantry battalions and volunteers and irregular forces had joined the Italian formations and took an active part in this War against Greece.it is estimated that 8-10 battalions participated were Albanians. The behavior of the Albanian people against the Greek soldiers in 1940-41 were hostile and friendly to the Italians.
The events that took place from April 1939 onwards, believing that the Albanians hated and still hate everything Greek and Orthodox Christian. Albanians were always enemies of Greece. Cooperated with the Fascist Axis during the Second World War. He always had and still have the ultimate aim of establishing the "Greater Albania".
Unfortunately towards the "good offices" of Albanians in Greece in 1971 restored diplomatic relations with its neighbor, hoping that better protected the rights of the Greek minority in Northern Epirus. Also in 1987, Greece, acting unilaterally abolished the state of war with Albania, status applied from November 1940, without securing guarantees for the Greek minority in Northern Epirus.