Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development “Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Vol (III), No.1, 2016 ______

RESEARCH PAPER

ITALY AND WAR OF VLORA DURING 1920

Xhilda SHUKA Institute of History University Centre of Albanological Studies, , Albania Email: [email protected] Abstract Placing the province of Vlora under the Italian sovereignty for its great strategic importance in possessing the , military and political forces in were paying special attention. Italy had deployed in in Sazan and had occupied Vlore since December 1914. But for the Albanian people liberation of Vlora was a key moment for its survival. It was the victorious War of Vlora in 1920, following the decisions of the Congress of Lushnja which reconfirmed Albania's independence and which put Albania in the course of a normal independent country. The important role of the war in direct confrontation with the Italian political and military forces of the time, are intended to be reflected in this article based on historical arguments and new perspective of our days. Keywords: War of Vlora, Italy, Lushnja Congress, the National Defense Committee.

Introduction on truncated Albanian state that would emerge from Italian goal over Vlora was part of the requirements the Peace Conference. of to the Adriatic Sea possession. Entente’s Feelings of anger that seized the broad masses of diplomats approved this request of Rome. As a the people because of the new plans for tearing consequence the statement of this request in the Albania, was the reason for unleashing a powerful Secret was like "Italy will take patriotic movement on a high national basis. But full sovereignty over Vlora, Sazan Island and over a the center of the movement for the protection of vast territory, enough to ensure the protection of territorial integrity and national rights became the these points," it was stated in the VI article of the city of Vlora. Even earlier the people of Vlora had Treaty of 26 April.1 "The borders in north and east shown a total dissatisfaction and opposition to the would be Vjosa River, south would reach nearly to Italian occupation, despite the appearing of Italian the northern border of Himara"2, designation which politics as a protective of Albanian interests. was requested by the British representative, E. "On November 28, 1918, on the 6th anniversary of Gray, who wanted to give the entire Himara to the Declaration of Independence, in Vlora was .3 organized an event in commemoration of this event. This request was also accepted by the Russian But the most powerful manifestation was organized Empire, with some remarks. Representatives of a year later, on November 28, 1919, which the Russia's related the approval of the application of Italian army violently suppressed hurting ordinary Rome regarding Vlora, with other Italian territory people. Not only that, but the occupation authorities on the east teared dozen of Albanian flags and used the pieces coast of the Adriatic, especially on the Dalmatian to wrap a dog, which then they walked around in the coast. Russian diplomacy was ready to accept the streets of Vlora”.5 passage of the Vlora region under the sovereignty Patriotic circles and the mass of people raised in of Italy, aiming that Rome would give up or would revolt, not only disagreed with the proitalian policy limit its claims to Dalmatia.4 Besides Vlora, Italy followed by the temporary government of Durres, asked the secret Treaty of London also the mandate but rejected it by all means and ways. The momentum that took the movement against the 1 S. Sonnino, Carteggio, 1914-1916, Bari, 1974, dok.133, Italian occupation, against the proitalian orientation p.209. of the government of Durres, and against some 2 Muin Çami, Albania in the course of history (1912- 1924), Tiranë: Onufri, 2007, p.62. 3S. Sonnino, Carteggio…, dok.268, p.412. 5 Albanian people's war for national liberation 1918- 4 M.Çami, Albania …p.63. 1920 (documentary), vol. II, Tirana, 1976, dok.322.p.54.

23 Italy and war of Vlora … Xh. Shuka

______antialbanian doctrines of several European powers Albania”.11 "Populli" newspaper of Shkodra wrote and neighboring countries at the Peace Conference " fought and are still fighting in Vlora in Paris, led to the organization of the Congress of because they are convinced that their fate is related Lushnja, which was held at the end of January to Vlora's fate."12 The issue of Vlora as a key issue 1920.6 for the territorial integrity of Albania, is very well Congress of Lushnja in January- and summarized in an article of the "Drita" newspaper": the War of Vlora, in June- were "With the placement of Italy in Vlora, Albania will highlights of the Albanian national movement. be in danger. Neighboring states of Balkan while Lushnja's Assembly in approved this raising their searches in Albania they do not document that constitutes the essence of patriotic present any of their rights. They show only one movement: "The National Assembly, setting in reason: Vlora and its hinterland ... If it is accepted Lushnje, protesting against the decision the sovereignty of Italy in Vlora, we should know condemning a neutral and known country, and one for sure that Albania will narrow from south to of the most ancient nations of Europe to pave the north more than we might know".13 way for the imperialist goals of neighboring Popular consciousness was crystallized and governments ... national assembly requires a mobilized against the Italian occupation of Vlora. complete independence ... and decided not to accept At a rally in Tirana in the summer of 1919 it was any foreign mandate or protectorate. Albanians are declared that: "We do not give up from any inch of ready to make any sacrifice until the last drop of land of Vlora, Sazan or Pashaliman".14 Vlora's their blood against any decision that could release constitutes in "a capital matter on jeopardize their independence and national integrity independance" of the Albanian nation.15 ".7 The direct goal of the armed war that started in June Lushnja Congress ousted the government of Durres 1920 was the liberation of Vlora by Italian troops. and chose a new government, which was But conquers of our country were then two other established in Tirana. During March- was neighboring monarchies, Greece and the Serbs- assured the union of Shkodra and Korca to Tirana's Croats-Slovenes kingdom. At the end of May 1920, government. As for the liberation of Vlora, this when French forces had left Korca, the Greeks were congress began work with a note directly addressed able to invade several villages at the south of to the Italian Senate in Rome stating: "Assembly of Bilisht, and Serbo-Montenegrins had taken a wide the Nation organized in Lushnje, declared to the strip of land in the northeast, the right coast of the representatives of Italy that in the cells of Albanian Black Drin, Highlands of Tropoje, Tarabosh, right people there is still Skanderbeg's blood, so that side of Buna's spill. great-grandchildren, can not be humbled enough to Tirana’s government though it was not directly, for become part of the Italian colony and be used as a diplomatic reasons, leader of the War of Vlora had a reward for feeding the imperialist desires of their very critical role in favor of this war: the union of neighbors"8 To the Albanians, Vlora was made as Shkodra with Tirana in , signing of the the Achilles heel for the national cause. The press of Albanian-Greek Protocol of Kapeshtica 28 May that time shows clearly the situation created in 1920, elimination of esadist armed movement of Albania: "Any protest of ours should have Vlora as June 1920. Wisely using Italian-Yugoslav a starting point", "good or evil that may come to contradictions Tirana government sent in April Albania comes from Vlonë".9 The "Drita" 1920, a representative of its own (Sejfi Vllamasi) newspaper of Gjirokastra noted "all the Albanians with the mission of informing the Serbian must realize that the salvation or loss of Albania is government that the Albanians will revolt against closely associated with Vlora.”10 or "issue of Vlora Italian occupiers and urged the sympathetic attitude is a common issue that has to do with the life of of Belgrade to this war16.

6 Valentina Duka, Cities of Albania in the years 1912- 11 “Drita” 31.7.1920, art.: War of Vlora and our duty 1924. Tiranë: Toena, 1997 pp. 70-71 12 “Populli” 31.07.1920, art.: Vlona e Shkodra 7 Arben Puto, Some legal problems of Albanian 13 “Drita” Gjirokastër, 06.05.1920, art.: Valona e nostra independence, “Historical Studies”, Nr.1, Tirana: Mihal dhe Vlora of Albania Duri,1965 p.24 14 The Central State Archive of Albania (AQSH), F. L. 8 Albanian people's war …., vol. II, dok.47, p. 60. Skendo, d.12, the letter of the date 27.08.1919 9 “Populli”, 11.7.1919, art.: On the unexpected news 15 “Gazeta e Korcës”, Nr. 13, dt. 31 korrik 1920 10 “Drita” Gjirokastër 16.6.1920 art.: Vullnetarët per 16 P.Milo. Albania dhe Jugosllavia 1918-1927, Tiranë Vlorë 1992, pp.103, 106-107.

24 Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development “Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania Vol (III), No.1, 2016 ______They are designed and written a lot of works in the the war by the Italian and Austrian experts, which field of historiography, within and outside the England was aiming for itself. Foreign Affairs country about the imperial Italian policy to the issue Committee of the British Parliament urged the of Vlora, but in this paper we try to understand and British prime minister to focus on the liberation and shed more light on the reasons and consequences of territorial integrity of Albania in 1913 and putting it this attitude, seen from a balanced perspective, of under the protection of the Great Powers. the present. The novelty of this paper lies in the National Defense Committee developed a broad manner of expression of the related facts, internal organizational activities in the occupied regions for and external, current and historical factors that led the armed uprising. Italian occupation authorities, to Italian goals for the occupation of Vlora, and in sensing danger, had declared a state of emergency the war of liberation of the Albanian people, far in Vlora, in April and in early May they performed from displaying the exclusive patriotic grades, a series of arrests in the town. In an attempt to influenced by totalitarian ideology before the ‘90s measure the pulse of the Italians but also showing a of the last century. Analysis of this attitude leads to maturity of the movement, around the middle of valid and current conclusions for the Italo-Albanian May the governmental authorities in Tirana entered relations. in Tepelenë to take over the city, which was outside For the Realization of this paper it is used the the area claimed for annexation by the government literature selected by Major Institutions on historical of Rome. But the Italian soldiers tore the Albanian, sources as the National Library of Albania, expelled the government commissioner and brutally Albanian Central State Archive, the Library of the dispersed the population which was gathered to Academy of Sciences of Albania, the Library of the celebrate the return of the city within the homeland. Institute of . The literature As a result, Albanian - Italian relations deteriorated consists of primary historical sources, Such as even more. KMK alerted the government of Tirana Manuscripts and the dailies of that period, on the readiness to start the uprising. At a rally the memories of historical persons of the respective people of Shkodra stated: "Shkodra and Vlora are period, as well as secondary sources, historical and have been unallocated forts of the homeland". publications and the most significant scientific 17 articles about this issue. As the population of the province of Vlora was The military-political situation at the beginning about to outbreak the uprising, the situation in the of war region of Korca seemed abruptly deteriorated, with Progressive and anti invasive circles, established in the news of the departure of the French military Vlora a secret committee called the National authorities. Patriotic counties of Korca, as well as Defence Committee (KMK), headed by the Prefect the Tirana government, worried by the approach of of Vlora Osman Haxhiu, into which became part Q. the Greek army to the border with the intent to Kocul, too. The main purpose of this committee was conquer the city of Korca, immediately organized to organize the liberation war of Vlora, coordinating volunteer forces and on May 26, 1920 raised there work with the government of Tirana, through the the national flag, announced the merger of Korca deputy S. Koleka. Prime Minister Sulejman Delvina region with the Tirana government and decided to had approved the program of the committee. On her be organized to defend their region from the Greek part, the government made efforts to ensure a calm invasion. Pogradec and Bilisht followed the background with neighboring countries, Greece and example of Korca also. The Athens government, Yugoslavia. The Yugoslav government gave some which hoped that the march of Greeks would be promises, which helped the government of Tirana to without any resistance, was disturbed by the understand, that in case of an armed conflict with reactions of the Albanians. Not wanting to open a Italy, Tirana had not to worry about the eastern and new front in a time when the fight to Asia was still northern borders. The Albanian government took going on, which would be beneficial to Italy and through semiofficial ways insurance for no advised by the British government, the Greek army interference from Greece, which at this time was stoped its marching to the Albanian lands. On May preoccupied with the situation in Minor Asia. In 28 in the border village Kapshticë was signed the addition, Italo – Albanian discussions, which began interim Greek-Albanian protocol, according to in Palanca on May 11, 1920, because of the which the Greek army would stop its marching "to government crisis in Italy, broke down. England make easier the agreement between the Greek and seemed that it was not supporting anymore the the Albanian govenrment". This Protocol shall project on giving Italy a mandate over Albania, because of oil reserves discovered in Albania during 17 “Populli”, Shkodër, dt.1.7.1919, p.6.

25 Italy and war of Vlora … Xh. Shuka

______remain in force until the matter is regulated by the seems that this set in motion General S. Piacantinin Peace Conference, either by a direct agreement to require additional military forces, despite the between the Greek and Albanian governments. previous strategy which was focused on reducing During this time the Greek armies would hold 26 them. On May 19 the general ordered the change of border villages that were occupied during the route of three battalions that were about to be marching. Kapeshtica’s Protocol had special repatriated from Durres to Italy. 22 Although the importance for the Albanian government, after uprising of the Albanian people was about to start, diverting conflict behind their backs with Greece, at the Italian civil authorities in Albania did not share a time when it was decided the start of the uprising the same view with the military, who had against the Italian army in Vlore. understood the risk of the uprising, although a little The information sent to Rome by the commander of bit late. The Italian commissar who was set in the Italian troops in Albania, General S. Piacentini, Durres, F. Kastoldi, an Italian civilian about 10 days before the war starts was correct and representative in Albania, but also a confidant of clear in describing the political situation in Albania: Prime Minister Nitti, considered the event of "The idea that if Italy gives up from Vlora, then Tepelena only simple and trivial incident and he did other nations (Greece, Yugoslavia) would withdraw not think that it would be best for Roma to increase their respective claims, is taking more and more troops in Vlora.23 The main strategy of Kastoldi roots in the Albanian people and this opinion is was to deflect the Albanians from the problem of expressed in the formula: saving Vlora means to Vlora and he aimed at reinforcing the " northerners save all of Albania ". 18 " in the government of Durres. According to this But as the events of the war showed, the Italians plan, "the Northeners" aimed a war with Serbia had not thought very well everything. Not that they over Kosovo's liberation, and "southerners" were not worried about what was lately happening according to Kastoldi aimed at ensuring and in Albania but maybe they overlooked the Albanian "liberate all of southern Albania and Vlora and thus patriotic factor and the glorious history of wars for they are contrary not only to Greece but also to freedom of Albanians. Italians wanted to reduce Italy".24 Differences that existed between the two excessive military spending, a purpose which main segments of the Italian authorities in Albania served the redeployment of troops from within the have their own importance, showing a political Albanian coast, as well as the readmission of a part myopia that is part of the total failure of the of them. Only in the region of Vlora were no troop Italians.25 movements.19 Despite being objective factors the contradictions On one side Italian troops were focused on Vlora between the Albanian submissive people and and on the other hand they tried to remove the invaders, Italian historiography tries to find the real attention of Albanians from Vlore. The begining of causes of the war of liberation of Vlora in esadist armed anti-government movement in central subjective factors, misunderstanding by the Italian Albania in early March 1920, is part of these government, the descendants of Orlando-Soninnos, efforts. It is even thought that one of the reasons of Albanian factor, ie., national consciousness that the withdrawal of Italian troops from the interior of was awakened in the Albanian people, which Albania in Vlora, was to rescue these troops from Soninno could understand.26 the involvement in the war of Albanians among The beginning of the war in Vlora them.20 But the movement did not find support and was defeated by government forces commanded by The decision to start the armed struggle against the Bajram Curri, before the start of the uprising in the Italian occupiers took final its shape in the Vlore.21 Italian forces had not even thought of the Barcallasë meeting on 29 May 1920. The Assembly possibility of military organization of Albanians in did not have representatives from across the such a way as to endanger the Italian one. The country, it was represented there only the city of event that happened in Tepelena on 17 May 1920 Vlora and most of the villages of the province. was in fact the signal of the outbreak of war and it However, the decision did not reflect the will of a

18 N. Montanari, Le truppe italiane in Albania (Anni 22 V.Gallinari, L’Esercito italiano nel Primo dopoguerra 1914-20 e 1939), Roma: Stato Maggiore del Esercito, (1918- 1920), Roma, 1980, p.173 1978 p.365 23 M. Çami. War …., p.23 19 M. Çami, War of Vlora, Toena: Tirane, 2000, p. 32 24 M.Montanari. Le truppe …pp. 368-372 20 The History of Albanian People, vol 3, Tirana: Toena, 25 M.Çami, War …., p.36 pp.218-219 26 M. Çami, Critical and Bibliography, “Historical 21 M.Cami. War of Vlora, Tirana:Toena, 2000, p.28 Studies”Nr.2, 1974, p. 216

26 Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development “Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania Vol (III), No.1, 2016 ______part of the population of Vlora, but that of the Himare. the Italian general S. Piacnetini who took Albanian people for liberation of the country from down the ultimatum almost ignored the threat of the invaders and to ensure full national independence rebels. After this ultimatum he sent to general E. and territorial integrity of the state.27 Puglieze covering the side of Vlora, some The Assembly elected a National Council composed guidelines that showed him more optimistic: "The of 30 members and from its ranks was elected a new action of the rebels, whatever it is, and whatever committee of "National Defense" of 12 members, forces its performed with, does not seem very which was assigned the direction of the uprising. dangerous, because it comes to an amorphous mass, The head of the committee was elected again which has no leadership, no irregularity and that Osman Haxhiu. Near the committee was also there is no setup utility" .28 formed a military committee, composed of officers While waiting for the response of the ultimatum, the under the chairmanship of Qazim Koculi, former KMK took quick military actions. The plan at first naval officer. The Commission laid Captain Ahmet predicted the beginning of attacks against advanced Lepenica organize military formations. The garrisons of Italian military and blocking of roads to Assembly decided to appeal all citizens and prevent their withdrawal in Vlora. The aim of this peasants of the occupied provinces and especially attack was to annihilate these garrisons, taking their Laberia to grab their weapons and fight against the weapons and ammunition, which were missing to enemy. On , 1920 several thousand most of the insurgents, and capturing as many volunteers stood in Beun and certain points, officers and soldiers and keeping them as hostages. organized in armed groups, each under the Once they did not received a response from General command of a brave farmer who was elected by the Piacentini, the KMK ordered the start of the volunteers. To this appeal joined the Albanian uprising. militia battalion of nearly 300 members, formed in On the evening of 5 June 1920 insurgents began Vlora by the Italian command, which defected attacking from the four corners of the area. Within a joining the rebels. Under the orders of the few hours they took most of the checkpoints of committee was formed an army of rebels of nearly 4 Carabinieri and small military presidia. But against thousand volunteers patriots. fortified garrisons were held rough overnight Bey of KMK addressed an ultimatum to General S. fightings. Especially the fightings that took place Piacentini: "The Albanians - said the ultimatum - against the garrisons of Kota, Gjorm, Llogora and can not accept the division of Albania according to Tepelena. In Kota insurgent peasants showed the secret treaty of 1915 ... Today the Albanian excellent examples of heroism against the general people joined more than ever, unable to endure Enrico Gotti; brave patriots under the command of being sold like cattles through the bazaars of Europe Ahmet Lepenica forced Italian soldiers and officers as a Italian - Greek – Serbs reward, decided to grab who had left many dead, among them the general the weapons and demand from Italy the Goti himself, to surrender. administration of Vlora, Tepelena and Himare, Italian garrisons could not deal with Albanian which quickly were submitted to the national attacks in Llogora and Gjorm, and they surrendered. government of Tirana". The committee then invited With the fall of Tepelena, where heavy fightings the Italian commander to respond to this request took place for five consecutive days, on until the evening of ; otherwise Albanians was freed all the occupied region, with the would began an armed uprising. exception of Vlora and Kanina. Encouraged by the Italian troops in Albania consisted of a effective of rapid successes, the KMK sent to General S. around 20 thousand soldiers under the command of Piacentini on , 1920 another call for the General S. Piacentini. To the Bay was anchored a submission of the city without a fight. In this call team of navy, consisting of a dozen of warships and the Italian general was warned that unless Vlora other smaller vessels. Most of the soldiers were was not surrenderered without a fight, the rebels concentrated in the city of Vlora, while the rest was would attack the city. At the same time the out of town, in positions of strategic importance. committee charged the military commission, which Strongest garrisons were stationed along the road had established its headquarters in Drashovica, to Vlora - Gjirokaster, especially in Drashovicë, Kote, draft a plan of attack on Vlora. KMK under very Gjorm, Vajze e Tepelenë and throughout the coastal strong pressure of insurgents decided to organize an road Vlora - Saranda like Dukat, Llogora and attack with all possible forces. It was also decided that the attack from outside would be coordinated 27 The Academy of Science of Albania, Congress of Lushnja and War of Vlora, Tirana, 1974, p. 139 28 M.Montanari, Le truppe…pp.214-215

27 Italy and war of Vlora … Xh. Shuka

______with the armed uprising that citizens would start at helped the rebels, sent weapons and sent to Vlora the same time in the town.29 material aid and volunteers from different sides of Italian command of occupation intensified work to the country. The operation against sadist rebels strengthen the defense system of Vlora and on June began on June 4 and within a few days they were 10 organized a counterattack to drive insurgents completely overwhelmed. At the same time, on June from the city's hills. After the counterattack failed 13, the brave Democrat Avni Rustem with the and anticipating the arrival of reinforcements in support of a group of patriots gave Esat Pasha Vlora, the committee ordered the general attack on Toptani the deserved punishment, killing him in the the besieged city. The attack began in the late streets of Paris. evening hours of , 1920. Thousands of War of Vlora and the support of external factor fighters, inviting one - another in the race to enter as A favorable attitude to the liberation war of Vlora soon as possible in the city, were thrown on the generally held the Italian working class; but also in enemy positions. But the intense fire of naval and the progressive Italian press and the parliament of field artillery and blinding lights of floodlights of Rome arose powerful voices of protest, demanding the battleships prompted insurgents to progress very from the government of Nitti withdrawal of invasive slowly. Warriors showed heroism in the hills of troops from Vlora. In Trieste, Ancona, Bari, Babica, in Qafa of Koçiu and Kanina castle. A high Brindisi, was posted calls of the Italian Socialist example of heroism demonstrated the old farmer Party, which invited the soldiers to refuse departure from the Salaria of Tepelena, Selam Musaj, to Albania. Against the launch of Italian army to commander of his village’s fighters, who was Vlora were held also demonstrations of workers, martyred in Vlora’s olive groves. Fiercely fighting where the bloodiest one was in Trieste on 12 June continued throughout the night. Near morning our 1920, which brought together even more Italian brave fighters broke the enemy’s obstacles and crept soldiers with protesting workers. On the same day a into the outer neighborhoods of the city, at a time group of Socialist deputies submitted for approval when Vlora citizens took up weapons and began to to the Italian Parliament a resolution, through which attack the Italian army behind. With the penetration they required the removal of Italian troops from of fighters in Vlora, the protection system of the Albania; but it was not accepted by the majority of Italian army degenerated. To save his army from MPs. On the internal political situation of destruction Italian command arrested many citizens, Italy was very irritated. Even the new Italian among them women and children, and announced government of Giovanni Giolitti tried at first to that it would retaliate over all the captives, if suppress through force the liberation struggle of the fighting will not be suspended. Committee leaders Albanian people. Pursuant to the guidelines, hesitated in front of this threat that endangered the General S. Piacentini sent on , 1920 to the lives of 1700 compatriots, among whom were many KMK an ultimatum, which required the rebels to of their family members. leave the fighting positions within 24 hours, and if Fighters, affected from human emotions, obeyed to they wouldn’t he threatened them with a offensive the orders of the committee and withdrew from the punishing. On , 1920, given that the city. Albanian forces suffered losses in this battle Albanian reply to the ultimatum had been negative, and Vlora still remained in the hands of Italians.30 selected wards of the Italian army, reinforced by The beginning of uprising liberation and its first new troops brought by Italy- "Piacenza" brigade, successes sparked a general enthusiasm to the extent Regiment of the "Ardite", and two battalions who of Albania's population. In the big cities of the came by Montenegro, under the command of country with the initiative of the population there General Puglieze undertook a punitive expedition were created commissions that would help Patriotic towards Drashovice, where the committee had its War against Italian offenders. These commissions headquarters. Also in the Bay of Vlora docked "San collected within a few days significant assistance in Marco" cruiser. But as two weeks ago and this time cash, grain and livestock. More than a thousand the Italian military were wrong in their calculations volunteers joined together to launch toward Vlora. to "teach a lesson to the Albanians." They suffered Tirana’s government, as it was decidec, was not in many losses and were forced to return defeated to favor nor against the uprising of liberation. In fact it Vlora, from the heroic stance of the Albanian fighters. Italian soldiers morale had fallen significantly below. After 2-3 days from the 29 M.Cami, War…, pp.17-19 moment of failure of the Italian counterattack, on 30 The Academy of Science of Albania, Congress of Lushnja and War of Vlora, Tirana, 1974 pp.162-163

28 Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development “Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania Vol (III), No.1, 2016 ______June 21, 1920 it surrendered the Italian garrison of statement - Italian interests in Albania and to Tepelena, too. 31 achieve pacification". J. Giolotti attitude toward the positions of the Alioti arrived in Durres in the first days of July and previous Italian imperialist government fired further immediately got in touch with the government of protests in Albania. In cities across the country they Tirana. During talks with the Albanians the Italian were held numerous protests against the Italian diplomat through blackmail and threats tried to occupiers. Numerous protest telegrams were persuade the government of S. Delvina to accept the addressed toward Rome by the Albanian exile project of Rome. Aliotti sought to ensure colonies. Inside and outside the country were also Pashaliman, which is a military base, as well as approved resolutions through which the Albanians maintaining two strategic positions in Karaburun showed solidarity with the demands of fighters of and Zvërnec.33 But the Albanian Government, part Vlora. of which was also Spiro Koleka who was an A new wave of protests also broke in Italy by the undeclared representative of KMK, as before, workers and the Italian progressive circles, against rejected these proposals. Recalling that, if the the colonialist policy of their government. On June leaders of the Committee of Drashovica obeyed to 26 the departments in Ancona refused to leave for accept the Italian demands, the government of Albania and clashed with carabinieri. Exactly on Tirana would obey too, Baron Alioti temporarily this day Xhioliti declared in parliament that he stopped the talks and traveled to Vlora, where he would not send more soldiers in Vlora, but just two came into contact with leaders of Drashovica. days after he declared the Italian claims in Albania: Negotiations continued for another month and Italy gave up their mandate and fully recognized the Rome sent another negotiator, to a higher independence of Albania, but claimed sovereignty diplomatic rank, Gaetano Manzoni. But this attempt over Vlora. "Vlora is a strategic point that if it was failed. Then, the Italian authorities took back open overrun by a non friendly force of Italy, may provocations and threats. On July 17, 1920 become a great danger to our country. Albania, the occupation military command in Vlora announced a situation it is today - claimed Xhioliti - is unable to day-order, which announced categorically that the protect Vlora from any force that has a few naval Italian forces would not leave Vlora, and they were forces. ... I will repeat here the words that I said to unable even to oppress "the Albanian rebellion". some Albanians ... Through conquering Vlora, we "We are and will stand in Vlora" - was the slogan of guarantee Albania of a permanent occupation of this the Italians on this date.34 The governors of Tirana, city by another power".32 nor the Vlora fighters did not give up and this Liberation of Vlora and signing of Tirana’s resulted in more negative provocation for the Protocol. Italians. The beginning of Vlora’s uprising overthrew the Insurgents responded the night of 22 with Italian diplomacy plans. The prime minister J. a furious attack against the Italian army in Vlora Giolotti was convinced that this new factor - the and after several hours of fighting entered the armed uprising of the Albanians and the echo it outskirts of the city, accompanied with losses found in European public opinion - there was no among the Albanians. Convinced at last that its chance to provide a view on the annexation of hopes to stay in Albania had completely failed, and Vlora. The difficult situation of the Italian military because of these new conditions the agreement of in Vlora and rising of the anti-war movement in 29 with Greece to support the claims of Italy, as a result of which, as stated J. Giolotti - "had one another in Albania did not serve anymore, on started disintegrating in the state bodies July 22 1920 the government of Giolotti canceled themselves," - forced the government of Rome to the Titoni - Venizelos agreement. On the other start talks with the government in Tirana to end the hand, it was forced to end the diplomatic war in Albania. But at the same time it aimed that, maneuvers. J.. Giolotti instructed Gaetano Manzoni through negotiations, to detach from the Tirana to complete the treaty based on the requirements of government the right to keep his troops in several the albanian Government, accepting the defeat. strategic points of the Albanian coast. On , Expressing regret over this defeat, Benito 1920 Roma decided to send in Albania as minister Mussolini, representative of the most reactionary the baron Alioti, "to arrange - as officialy read in a and fascist Italian districts, wrote on July 28:

31 Albanian people's war …., vol. II, dok.318, p.375 33 P.Pastorelli, L’Albania nella politica estera…, pp.378- 32 P.Pastorelli, L’Albania nella politica estera italiana 379 dal 1914 al 1920, Napoli, 1970, pp.370-371 34 M.Çami, War …., p.72

29 Italy and war of Vlora … Xh. Shuka

______"Albanian Kaporeto is much worse than the other proportions of people who had believed in their that took place between the Piaves and Izoncos; at independence, and this success noted the presence that time we lost positions, materials, people and of an Albanian national pronounced sense and the two provinces, but we did not lose the will to restart victory of the national Independence. This success and recover; this time our defeat a moral one and would live in albanian’s spirit who would set the have already diplomatically sealed as an accepted Italians as invaders and oppressive to their and performed fact: Few thousand Albanians with sovereignty for the coming twenty years.38 no artillery threw us violently in Vlora and to avoid jumping into the sea, we opened talks without any Conclusions result. While other layers joyfully embraced the The war in Vlora constitutes one of the most news, although the Italian historiography tries to glorious pages in the history of the Albanian nation. submit the protocol signed only as "the outcome of This war was as a direct continuation of the a series of mistakes in the last two governments of Congress of Lushnja, a bold action, which once Italy, and that the Giolotti, but especially the again confirmed the indomitable will of Albanians government of F. Nitti ", without seriously taking to be a determinedly independent nation, as well as into account the Albanian Liberation factor anyway. their strength to live freely. 35 This war was very well organized eventhough Albanian - Italian negotiations ended on August 20, Albania had a huge backlog of development, 1920 with the signing of a preliminary protocol in showed that the freedom-loving spirit of this people Tirana. It stated that the Italian government has always prevailed when the homeland needed it. respected the Albanian sovereignty and territorial Descendants of old Epirotes, or majestic integrity of Albania and, accordingly, it will Skanderbeg, how could this nation tolerate the new withdraw its troops from Vlora and other parts of invaders while they hadn’t enjoyed yet the the country, with the exception of the island of independence of 1912? Sazan. However the treaty accepted the Italian In essence, our nation has been equally as peace and request to allow the Italian military forces to stay on freedom-lover, and that was the reason they the island of Sazan (and these forces stayed there accepted for a period of time the Italian presence in until the capitulation of fascist Italy during World their lands. But the Italian state, perhaps neglected War II-September 1943). Maybe this was an or forgot that the Albanians can not be stoped by important reason for the Italians, keeping military any force when they come together and fight for possession of Sazan, scheming for a return to Vlora, their country's destiny. Italian state at the time and thus accept the current end of the war with the pursued a more myopic policy rearding Albanians, Albanians. For the Albanian government it was taking away the sympathy of Albanians against this almost impossible to cut out militarily Italians from country that had taken root in centuries of history. Sazan, when lacking military marine fleet. The The essence of the Italian policy regarding the Rome government intended to use its presence in intentions of possessing Vlora is clearly reflected in Sazan as propaganda for a half retreat or half loss to the words of Italian diplomat K.Sforca: " This reduce dissatisfaction and reaction of the Italian reasoning of Albanians intends to drive us out from expansionist forces, in Parliament and outside it.36 Vlora and, however, to accuse us as responsible of a In addition to their propaganda, Minister of Foreign possible disintegration of Albania ... From our part, Affairs on August 6 declared on the Italian we should instead insist that 1913 borders already parliament that: "We have withdrawn our troops present a mutilated Albania. In fact, about half a from Vlora, keeping under our power, of course, million Albanian (i.e. more than half of the equipped with artillery and troops, the island of Albanians) are annexed to Serbia; also many Sazan, which owns the Bay of Vlora" 37. Giolitti’s Albanians, especially in the region of Chameria are government, newly arrived in the leadership in annexed to Greece. So the fate of Vlora should be June, took a radical decision. On August 2 in Tirana considered in the same manner to that of the it was signed a protocol with Italy where they gave provinces that previously have been annexed by up Vlora, while preserving the right of keeping Serbia and Greece".39 control of the Sazan Island. So Italian troops left Italians had defeated Austro-Hungarian military, but Albania within 30 days. It was a success of historic they could not be able to afford the Albanians in

35 P.Pastoreli, L’Albania…., pp.404-407 38 Massimi Coltrinari, The resistance of Italian soldiers 36 M.Cami, War …..p.75 in Albania Tiranë: LBN Editor, p. 44 37 Albanian people's war…, dok. 386, p.437 39 Albanian people's war…, dok. 198, p.246

30 Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development “Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania Vol (III), No.1, 2016 ______their fight against oppression. The victory of this With the victory of the War of Vlora, the Albanian war once again showed the strength, vitality and people finally saved the country from more Albanian pride that can survive storms of history devastation of their territories. This can make feel being an example for all time and generations. War proud all the people of Vlora and Albania. of Vlora sealed Albanian independence and joined Albanians more. Regained freedom showed that References homeland can be protected when we are united and 1. The Academy of Science of Albania (2007). we believe and fight for our country. The History of Albanian People, vol 3, Tirana: Although the geopolitical situation looked bleak for Toena Albania, excellent organization of the uprising 2. The Academy of Science of Albania (1974). showed that Albania has never lacked prominent “Congress of Lushnja and War of Vlora”, Tirana figures, which give the right direction, and do great 3. Albanian people's war for national liberation works in this state. High spirit of fighters once again 1918-1920 (documentary), vol. II, Tiranë, 1976 showed Albanian freedom-loving feeling, feeling 4. The Central State Archive of Albania imbued in the glorious history. (AQSH), F.L.Skëndo, Letter of the date 27.08.1919 The broad support of the rebels from all over 5. Coltrinari, M. The resistance of Italian Albania and emigration, are examples of a high soldiers in Albania Tirana: LBN Editor national and patriotic consciousness. We must not 6. Çami, M. (2007). Albania in the course of forget that a right war finds support even beyond the history (1912-1924), Tirana: Onufri borders as it happened with the solidarity of the 7. Çami, M. (2000). War of Vlora, Tirana: Toena working Italian class. 8. Çami, M. (1974). Critical and Bibliography, Italian politics, showing the imperialistic goals “Historical Studies” Nr.2, against Albania, also in the military plan failed 9. “Drita” (1920) Gjirokastra completely by reducing the maximum prestige of its 10. Duka, V. (1997). Cities of Albania in the years own military, consecutive errors, which were 1912-1924, Tirana: Toena complicated by Italian internal conflict situation, 11. Gallinari, V. (1980). L’Esercito italiano nel where progressive element came out against Primo dopoguerra (1918- 1920), Roma invading war. 12. “Gazeta e Korçës”, 1920, Nr. 13 The signature of the Italo-Albanian protocol, 13. Milo, P. (1992). Albania dhe Jugosllavia 1918- beyond the lack of Italian perspective to emerge 1927, Tirana from the impasse in which they were immersed in 14. Montanari. N. (1978) . Le truppe italiane in this war, came as a result that the Albanian Albania (Anni 1914-20 e 1939), Roma: Stato government agreed for tactical reasons, the presence Maggiore del Esercito of military forces in Sazan. 15. Pastorelli, P. (1970). L’Albania nella politica Ultimately this presence that neutralized the Vlora estera italiana dal 1914 al 1920, Napoli Bay from any other invading power could not be 16. “Populli”, 1919 Shkodra liberated by direct war from the Albanian forces 17. Puto, A. (1965). Some legal problems of that lacked naval fleet. Albanian government did Albanian independence, “Historical Studies”, Nr.1, not bend to require Sazan as a "gift", in front of a Tirana: Mihal Duri conqueror who did not spare the blood of Albanians 18. Sonnino, S. (1974). Carteggio, 1914-1916, Bari to keep Vlora.

31