Albania and the Soviet Union in the Course of the World War Ii

Journal of Critical Reviews

ISSN- 2394-5125 Vol 7, Issue 11, 2020

ALBANIA AND THE SOVIET UNION IN THE COURSE OF THE WORLD WAR II

Dr. Etleva Babameto1

Received: 14.04.2020 Revised: 21.05.2020 Accepted: 12.06.2020

Abstract In the events of World War II, Albania rallied without hesitation on the side of the Anti- Fascist Coalition, alongside the Great Britain, United States and Soviet Union. In this context, the aim of this study is to analyze the role, mission, relations of Albania with the Soviet Union, and how these relations influenced the war course of events in Albania, the spread of communism there and the outcomes of the war for this country. The study is based on the methodology of recognizing and assessing existing historical documents and materials as primary source, based on archival sources, to come up with objective and critical analyzes, interpretations and assessments of current events. The study concludes that regarding the period under study, the Soviet Union, although viewed with admiration from Albania as its ideological ally, had no direct interests in Albania except the spread of Communist ideology; it did not contribute to the liberation of Albania; it did not directly influence the communists’ takeover there. Keywords: WWII, Albania, Soviet Union, Allies, Relationships, Mission.

INTRODUCTION On the official level, however, Albania established diplomatic The decision to analyze the relationship between Albania and relations with the USSR in 1934, but the functions of the Legation USSR in a given period of time such as World War II brings 4 were performed by the Soviet Legation in Athens . The Soviet accordingly to mind the communist ideology, the spread of Government also decided to appoint as its diplomatic communism in the Balkans, and more specifically in Albania. But representative in Tirana in the capacity of the Envoy how and when did communist ideas originate in this country? Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Court of Indeed, before World War II, it can be said that communism in Albania, the Minister of the Soviet Socialist Republics in Athens, the Balkans was very weak and only ideological. Meanwhile in 5 Albania, the first signs of Bolshevik activity aimed at communist Mr. Mikhail Kobexky . The Albanian government gave its consent propaganda appear as early as the 1920s, corresponding with the 6 to this appointment . period when England’s conservative press began publishing in July 1924 articles on “Bolshevik danger” threatening the Balkans. These developments took place at a time when, during the Concretely, The newspaper ‘London Times’ published on July 28, interwar period, the European Diplomacy was focused on 1924 the article “Bolshevik Plots in the Balkans”1. Apparently, ensuring peace on the Continent. This period in Europe, gave rise even Albania being part of the Balkans, had become involved in to two political, ideological and social models which would this political imbroglio. attempt to challenge exactly the most sacred principles of Western democracies: 1. The communist system featured on the This activity for the Balkans was carried out by a spying office Bolshevik Party under which the Soviet Union would adhere to run by Vienna headquartered Comintern headed by a former and abide by the communist principles and aim the strategy of Russian officer named Vorobjeff. The documents show that ruling the communist world through the destruction of world Vienna Comintern agents were also suspected of dealing with capitalism; and 2. The fascist system created by Benito Mussolini. some of the Russians who had been living in Albania for many years, some of whom had obtained Albanian citizenship and a GENERAL OVERVIEW OF ALBANIA - SOVIET UNION part of them the Yugoslav one, but they do not provide detailed RELATIONS IN THE COURSE OF THE WAR YEARS information on any activity of proper political character of these a. Albania’s Status in the Political Spectrum of the USSR Russians or even how and to what extent they influenced the It should be primarily noted that there is scant information on spread of Bolshevism in Albania. the relations between Albania and the Soviet Union during World War II. This is mainly due to the fact, inter alia, that Albania was It must be said that for the period in question, the Albanian at the periphery of this country’s interests to such an extent that people were little familiar with communist ideas. Such ideas had contacts between the two countries were always very rare till the begun to emerge during the first half of the 1930s, when end of World War II. Comintern sent some trained Albanian communists (who had fled after the fall of Fan Noli’s government) to set up some The Soviet Union, meanwhile, had determined its claims on post- communist cells. The first Albanian communist group was set up war influence since the summer of 1940 with a series of by political immigrants in Moscow in 1928. The most prominent diplomatic attempts and maneuvers. To this end, during the of these communists was Ali Kelmendi who helped to create wartime, there was a shift in emphasis on Soviet propaganda: the some communist groups, but their activities were no more than slogan of defending socialist values was replaced by the patriotic distribution of leaflets, cutting enemy wires and organizing urge to defend the motherlan, thereby seeking to draw an equal demonstrations. line between the struggle for the defense of the country with the socialist ideology. This propaganda, among other things, would Bolshevik slogans in Albania are documented as early as 1930 bear its fruit in the course of the war for some countries; yet, and specifically on January 12, 1930, the Prefect of Korça sends Albania was and remained, until the end of World War II a notice to the Intelligence Office for the distribution of slogans country posing almost no interests to this country. Indeed, unlike against Bolshevism and against Ahmet Zog. what it did in Belgrade, Sofia and Bucharest, the Soviet Union made no efforts to openly intervene on behalf of Albania’s affairs.

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Albania is the only country in Europe together with Yugoslavia approve the principle of (con) federation for European countries, where the communist takeover is not a direct outcome of the Red and especially the Balkan countries, the Soviets contended that Army intervention. these federations were directed against the Soviet Union. , The Soviet Union would maintain this position towards Albania In January 1942 at a meeting of Eden in London with the Soviet even after the war, with Albania expressing nothing of interest to ambassador Maisky, told the latter about Albania, that he shared this country except for its favorable strategic Mediterranean Stalin’s view but added that in view of Greek and Yugoslav position. This position already adopted would be further claims, he was not anxious to commit hmself on the subject at expressed at a meeting with the Yugoslav representative later in present. Maisky, after acquainting himself with the views of the January 1948, in which Stalin would openly express indifference, British government, agreed with them and supported the idea of unawareness and a lack of interest for this country, which was in the British government not recognizing Zog as an official but stark contrast to the admiration expressed then in Albania for merely a private person since British commitment in King Zog’s him. At the meeting he would address to the Yugoslav image and the creation of the exiled Albanian government meant representative with the words: “What is happening in that direct commitment in the question of Albania’s independence country? What kind of people are they?.... I had hoped that the and its territorial integrity, which was contrary to Greek Albanians were at least a little Slavic... we have no special interest interests so predominant to English policy. Thus, it was agreed in Albania. We agree to Yugoslavia swallowing Albania ….”. As that neither Britain nor Russia would commit themselves to Zog. commonly known, in 1960 Albania severed relations with its He also guaranteed Eden: the Soviet government wished to ideological leader, ie., the USSR, but the dynamics of these maintain the same footing with the British government in all relations during the Hoxha regime until their breakup is not part matters. But while the Soviet Union maintained the same line of this study. with the British government on all matters concerning Albania, this was not the case for the idea of (con) federations in Europe. All that can be said about the relationships between Albania and The Soviet Union would soon express openly opposition to that the Soviet Union during World War II concerns two to three not matter, a position which it would adopt throughout World War II. so influential moments which will be further dealt with below. Meanwhile, there were rumors that the Soviets intended to reach b. The Soviet Union’s Attitude towards the Italian out to the Mediterranean and establish a sphere of influence in Occupation of Albania the Balkans . This situation prompted discussions in the Foreign Regarding the Soviet Union’s attitude towards the occupation of Office to take measures to prevent Soviet penetration into the Albania, it can be said that little effort if not any was made to region. Thus the question of the creation of federations and/or defend the Albanian cause. Thus, USSR representative J.M. confederations has again emerged as one of the options Maisky, a participant in the session of the Council of the League proposed to prevent Soviet influence in this region. It was of Nations, on May 22, 1939, tried to put the issue of Italian discussed that the Foreign Office should consider sending a aggression against Albania on the agenda, but his initiative was British force to the Balkans to prevent Soviet occupation. On rejected; in fact, Maisky appeared in the League of Nations as a January 11, 1942, Sargent stated that one instrument at Britain’s senior Soviet diplomat of the time representing an authorized disposal for countering Russian penetration was “the policy of a position. But, apart from that attitude, we have found no evidence Balkan confederation”. This was regarded by British politicians of a special official declaration by the Soviet government to as the right settlement to Albania’s conditions as well. But, as openly and strongly condemn the invasion of Albania by fascist widely known, the idea of federations was strongly opposed by Italy. Milo has rightly held that Soviet diplomacy at that time did the Soviet government on the grounds that they were directed not judge that, not because of Albania, but of principles it should against the Soviet Union. have severely reacted to Italian aggression against Albania. Moreover, “Moscow - he points out - was among the few states CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ALBANIA TOWARDS THE which officially recognized the title of King Victor Emanuel III DECLARATION OF DECEMBER 1942 also as a King of Albania”, thereby legitimizing the Italian a) Dissemination and Installation of Communist Ideology occupation of Albania. A change in this regard, but resulting in no in Albania reverbations for Albania, occurred just over a year after Stalin During these years, communism was rapidly spreading declared Albania’s guaranteed independence during the throughout Europe under the Soviet leadership which sought to December 1941 Soviet-British talks in Moscow on the issue of give to Eastern Europe the Soviet model. Of course, as elsewhere Soviet borders. Stalin proposed some kind of a secret protocol for in Europe, this situation was also reflected in Albania, where some 10 points that would be attached to the subsequent some communist groups were created, among them the most agreement between USSR and Britain. One of the points was that important: Korça, Tirana and Shkodra groups. Shkodra group Albania was to be an independent state. He also stated that none consisted mainly of students who supported the idea of a of the other Europe states other than Albania would require the working class revolution while no working class existed in guarantee of the Great Powers, statements which, as further Albania. The other two groups consisted of middle-class developments proved, emerged in the framework of the common intellectuals and called on the Albanian people for general interests, plans and strategies of the Big States as allies rather resistance against the invader, but the most important among than any direct interest of Soviet Union to Albania. them in terms of composition and organization, was the Korça group. However, these groups were divided, not cooperating c. Plans for a (Con) Federal Settlement in View of with each other, and competing for drafting and elaborating Albania’s Future Status different strategies to combat the foreign invader. When Eden was pronounced on encouraging federations and In support of communist ideas, also a secret youth association confederations of small states, Stalin initially replied that if called RETGAJS was set up in Shkodra calling for Albanians to certain countries of Europe wished to federate, then he would reject the fascist occupation, to disobey the traitors of their have ‘no objections’ . This idea of federations and confederations, homeland. ‘Russia is firm - it stressed out - and so its allies too’. which undoubtedly included Albania, if realized, would serve as a Yet, it should be added that the activity of this association left no necessity to increase the security of small states against the significant traces in the course of current events appart from an German threat, to increase their ability in coping with economic indication of attempts made, however trivial and fruitless, to challenges, as well as to end clashes and secure peace in the disseminate communist ideas. region and beyond. But suspicions of the Soviets at this point would not delay. While the British were expecting the Soviets to

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In the context of this situation the Comintern leadership had The Big Three proclaimed their Declarations within December several times raised the task of joining a single party before the 1942, and concretely the Soviet Union proclaimed its Declaration Albanian communists, and as a concretization of this directive, on December 18, quoting: “.... The Soviet Union, which attends the role of the ACP (Albanian Communist Party) was entrusted to with full sympathy the brave liberation war of the Albanian the YCP (The Yugoslav Communist Party. Apparently, the Soviet patriots against the Italian invaders, recognizes no claim of Union whose sole interests in Albania concerned spreading of Italian imperialism over the Albanian territory and wants to see communist ideology, has given its support to Yugoslavia, which Albania liberated from the fascist occupation yoke and its wished to control or devour Albania in order to ensure a port in independence restored...” . However, this declaration expressed the lower Adriatic, perhaps in Durres to connect it through the no reservations about Albania’s borders. It further emphasized railway with their station in Pec. But Yugoslavia on its part had that the problem of the future state regime in Albania is ‘its other, even closer interests, such as: the protection of its national internal issue and must be settled by the Albanian people interests in the Kosovo Albanian population, ensuring a strong themselves’. In support of this Declaration, on December 22, influence on the internal affairs of neighboring Albania, an ally 1942, the foreign commissioner of the Soviet Union would assess against the Axis on the southern border and one step further the war of the Albanian people as part of the war of all Balkan towards realizing Tito’s dream for a Communist Federation of countries: “The Soviet government - he points out - is convinced Balkan States. As such, it was expected that Yugoslavia would see that the war of the Albanian people will be merged with the its commitment to the establishment of the Communist Party and common struggle for freedom of all Balkan countries and that political developments in Albania in full compliance with its they will succeed in driving the Italian occupier out of their immediate and perspective interests. territory. What is noted in this Declaration is that the USSR (like the two Declarations of England and America) recognized the Meanwhile, British officers in Albania observed that the partisans heroic struggle waged by the Albanian people and its were pro-Russian, hailing with fists and wearing the red star, contribution to the common anti-fascist struggle of peoples and their organizational structure resembling the Russian model, but states, as well as its right to live free and independent, but it did still under Tito rather than the Soviet Union. This fact reinforces not at all touch upon the issue of Albania’s post-war borders, the idea that the Soviet Union represented for Albanian leaving unsettled (same as the two Declarations of England and communists their ideological ally. On the other hand, no data America) the issue of the post-war existence of the Albanian evidence that the Communist Party of the Soviet Union has ever state, an element proving that Allies, despite their ideological had the Communist Party of Albania under its effective control. differences, the problems and other discrepancies between them during World War II, adhered to and complied with their Accord b) Declaration of December 1942 by the USSR on the as a Coalition until its conclusion. Nevertheless, it should be Independence of Albania and its Future Status noted that these Declarations were undoubtedly important for Given the course of developments in the World War theater, the Albania’s international position in the circumstances of World Balkans were increasingly gaining the attention of the Great War II. Powers - Britain and the Soviet Union. But, the greater the Soviet Union’s interest for influence in the region, the greater the A MISSION OF THE SOVIET UNION IN ALBANIA Britain’s efforts a) The Arrival of the Soviet Mission in Albania - A Festive to prevent it. Further in this regard, various British plans and Atmosphere among the Partisan Resistance Forces projects of that period emerged to prevent Russian penetration The interest of the Soviet Union in the Balkans increased during in the region by repeatedly evoking the idea of federations and 1944 when it sought to consider the Communists as allies with confederations as one of the optimal settlements for that opposing groups in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and so too purpose. In the context of these developments with regard to collaborated with Tito. Greece remained a question mark for the Albania, the increased Albanian emigration movement in England Russians. It was in this period that some kind of interest was felt and the US in support of the recovery of Albania’s independence for Albania. and the preservation of its territorial integrity, the need to stimulate Albanian resistance, and the fact that in order to According to archival sources, the Soviets had requested to send encourage the guerrilla movement against Italians in Albania, it representatives to Yugoslavia, Albania, and Macedonia as early as was necessary to promise something that Albanians highly 1944, proving their increased interest in issues related to valued - namely, the independence of their country, and above all communist doctrine in these countries. So, the Political the Allied landing in North Africa in November 1942, gave a Commissar Enver Hoxha (leader of the Communist Party and strong impetus to the thought of a declaration on Albania’s later of the Socialist Party during the 45-year long dictatorship) independence. sent a letter to the partisan First Brigade Headquarters, namely to Comrade Mehmet Shehu on March 10, 1944, writing about the Under these circumstances, in December 1942, the three Allied arrival of a Soviet Mission in Albania. In this letter he expressly states undertook to declare the recognition of Albania’s writes: “In Slove of Dibra, there are three comrades independence for the postwar period. Concerning Britain’s accommodated in Esat Ndreu’s house who according to comrade declaration, the Foreign Office decided that Washington would be Tempo came from Moscow to Tito’s Headquarters and want to consulted while Moscow would only be briefed, and the later the come to our Headquarters and to the Macedonian Headquarters. better. The reason concerned the fact that Britain had no They have been in Debar for three months and were blocked conflicting interests with America. While the Soviet government, there because of the reaction”. Following such a notice, the as predicted, would be the main rival in the postwar contact with a Soviet Mission would take place only a few months Balkans.“There is no need, - Dixon wrote, - to suggest to the later. In the present circumstances when the partisan movement Soviet government, as we are doing to the US government, that it was rapidly reviving, such news has naturally increased their makes a declaration regarding Albania’s independence. In the optimism and certainty. Two months later, at the Congress of Balkans we are - so to speak - in rivalry with the Soviet Permet, US and Soviet Missions were invited to be present at the government and it makes no sense for us to suggest what it General Headquarters. should do to get points in the Balkan peoples”. As evidently, the Soviet Union was only a war military ally for the British and The first and only Soviet Mission in Albania during the WWII Americans as their political interests in different areas or regions arrived on August 11, 1944 in Helmes and from Vithkuqi during the war were closely linked to their influence in these province it headed to the base of the Partisan Headquarters. post-war regions. Hoxha took steps to spread the news. On August 12, 1944 he sent

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notice to the Second Division: “The Soviet Mission under the of supplying the partisans”. While Kukich reported that the command of a Major arrived. Disseminate the news Serbian-speaking Soviets were concerned that partisans did not everywhere even by leaflets”. This Mission was composed of have enough weapons, even though they were thought to have two officers and was headed by Major Ivanov, while the other been supplied with the. This proves that the news was spread officer was Lieutenant Turin, a wireless telegraph operator. The among the partisans whereby the Soviet officers would bring in headquarters in Bari informed Elliot that supposedly the Soviets supplies, which as O’Keef reported, proved untrue. had been parachuted. At that time there was a small Soviet air unit in Bari that used the necessary equipment of the Balkan Air On August 15, 1944 Eden expressed pained surprise in a note to Force and was working towards Yugoslavia. Moscow expressing dissatisfaction for the fact that the Soviets had not informed the British government of the Soviet Mission ‘The Soviet mission was much better received than the Western arrival in Albania. On this point, Eden wrote to Churchill that ‘the Allied Missions’. Of course, the arrival of this Mission was an unheralded dispatch of this mission in Albania following on the event of particular importance to Hoxha and would affect dispatch of a Soviet mission to E.L.A.S, smells of a Russian Communist propaganda, enhancing his security and behavior attempt to communize the Balkans under our noses’. Feeling thus with other Allied missions. According to US officer Kukich, when the increased Soviet influence in Albania, Eden instructed with Major Lion of SOE (British Special Operation Executive) hosted a concern the British ambassador in Moscow to specifically deal lunch for the two Soviets after they arrived, Hoxha rejected going with “... this problem, to solve it personally with Molotov and ask there. He did so as a sign of insult to the English. When Kukich for explanations and reasons for sending the Soviet Mission to hosted a lunch of OSS (American Office of Strategic Services) for Albania”, the more so since a few days ago the Soviets had sent a the two Soviets, Hoxha not only attended it but brought along mission to Greece. However, the reaction of the Soviet with him all his staff . And this was due because the more the war government and the response to this question remained was approaching its end, the more Hoxha smelled the taste of unsurfaced. victory for his power but at the same time the more he feared the anti-communist attitude of the British, their interests in the Churchill was in Italy at the time and a telegram was sent to him Balkans and in this view, he also feared their attempts to prevent from London on the arrival of the Soviet Mission in Albania. After the victory of the communists in Albania. seeing some of the brief reports about the Soviets in Albania by the Balkan Air Force Headquarters, he noted: “I don’t think any Accordingly, ever-increasing anti-British tendencies would not action is needed on my part. Churchill’s reaction does not clearly delay. The arrival of the Soviet mission coincided with Hoxha’s reveal what it meant in that note: unnecessary because of the request to leave Albania for the three officers of Consensus lack of British interest in Albania or an ever-increasing situation Mission II attached to Kupi (Legality group). Meanwhile, it should before a fait accompli; yet, viewed far away in time, the course of be mentioned that while in Albania, Ivanov was in good terms events, and especially at that stage of the war, leaves no room for with SOE and OSS liaison officers. ambiguity: no action in Albania. The arrival of the Soviet Mission and the extraordinary Within the atmosphere of the event, on August 27 in Helmes, atmosphere of their reception drew everyone’s attention, Nexhmi Balla, a member of the National Liberation Council including liaison officers who, without delay, would describe such addressed to the Soviet Mission with a letter of welcome and an atmosphere. Kukich, as an OSS liaison officer, wrote of the gratitude which, speaking on behalf of Albania, openly expressed Mission’s reception: “The partisans started firing with whatever the Communists’ rally in the left camp. The letter read: “A weapon they had in hand for about two hours. At first we majority of the people of this district gathered at a rally on the thought the war was over. The mission was headed by Major 24th of this month, entrusted me to welcome you to our Ivanov, a pre-war electrical engineer and a capable soldier”. In homeland which is one of the wishes expressed constantly and another announcement, it was stated that the mission was purely long ago by the people and to express the deep gratitude to the military and not political. “In most of his speeches, he urges Soviet people and the Red Army for contributing in the first place partisans to keep up the fight and keeps off the subject of to the liberation of the peoples from the hatred rule of the fascist politics” - Marcus Lyon reported and then continued: “I would plague. The populace of this district, as well as all the Albanian not say that Major Ivanov is playing a very deep political game or, people gathered around the National Liberation Movement, has if he is, he is a very good actor. He impresses one with his already made and will make every sacrifice to dignifiedly frankness and his open friendly manners, and he always swears participate with a new force inspired by the genius leader of the he is not a politician”. However, Stephan of OSS offered another Red Army, Marshal Stalin, to whom we are and will remain picture of the event. He informed Fultz that once Ivanov and his forever specifically grateful”. As noted in this letter, the National w/t operator had arrived the Partisans made ’every effort’ to Liberation forces, i.e., the Communists, were already extolling extol ’the deeds of Russia and the Red Army’ while noting British and lauding the Red Army’s contribution to this war while and American successes only ’in passing’ thus vesting the arrival bypassing other allies and even expressing gratitude to the Red of the Soviet mission in Albania with a political connotation. Army which never appeared in Albania, nor did it send supplies or However, it remains doubtful whether such partisan behavior aid of any kind, had no direct impact on domestic developments was due to the Soviet Mission activity or the Albanian in this country or even on the outcome of the war. Communist propaganda itself found it opportune to do so. It should be added that the arrival of the Soviet Mission in Bailey also states that reception to the Mission was so Albania was accompanied by increased Yugoslav pressure on the extraordinary that he compares the festive atmosphere of the National Liberation Movement. In a telegram sent to the Foreign victory on November 17 in Tirana with the atmosphere of the Office on September 8 about Tito’s intention to send his Mission Soviet Mission reception. He notes that following the victory in to Albania, it was stated that on August 29, a 6-member Yugoslav Tirana on November 17, Hoxha’s new government greeted news Mission under Colonel Velimir Stojniç was infiltrated into of the fall of the capital with celebrations “only equalled by the Albania. This Mission operated under Tito’s instructions arguing reception of the Russian Mission”. According to Lucas, Hoxha that Albania was too small and weak to remain independent after behaved as if the Soviets had sent a division of their special the war. Therefore, according to him, Albania’s future would be troops, not just two officers . Meanwhile, the OSS Liaison Officer safer if it joined Yugoslavia. This was Yugoslavia’s widely known O’Keef reported: “They (the Soviet Mission) were accorded an strategy towards Albania, which in the current circumstances of extraordinary reception” and went on to say: “We later learned the war end, smelled the taste of accomplishing its goals for from a conversation with the Soviets that their duties were above which it had worked so hard throughout the years of this war. all of a secret nature and that they had no intention whatsoever

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b) The Activity of the Soviet Mission in Albania addressed to the Soviet leadership with these words: “We see the Concerning the role, tasks and purpose of the Soviet Mission in Red Army as the main force that defeated the sworn enemy of Albania, it was said to be a military Mission of an informative mankind. Moreover, it is for us a symbol of the anti-fascist nature. But the information received from various sources, albeit struggle for freedom, the greatest guarantee of our rights. scarce, makes us think that this Mission was entrusted also tasks Therefore, we are grateful to the Soviet Union and our people with political content. First of all, this is evidenced by a document will never forget the great help and heroic war of the Red Army, which reveals the correspondence of the General Staff with the which saved us from the catastrophy”. This is because the more Soviet and Yugoslav Missions about the opposing political groups war was approaching its end, the more the National Liberation of the National Liberation Front (NLF): There are three political Front was expressly proclaiming its affiliation to the Soviet-led groups against the National Liberation Front: “1. Balli Kombetar communist doctrine. (National Front), the organization created after the Peza Conference. Since its creation it sabotaged the war indirectly and A report of Force 399 dated 10 November, provides an evidence ended up in complete union with the Germans. It has a total of of interest about the activity of the Soviet Mission in Albania. 3,000 fighters today, among whom 2,000 were mobilized by What is noted is that a good portion of the findings in this report force. 2. Legality, an organization of Zog sympathizers headed by are similar to other reports and messages known in this regard. Abaz Kupi. It was created after Abaz Kupi left the National The report reads: “Reasons for the current anti-British Liberation Front. This group was small in number with about tendencies of the National Liberation Front: The intensification 1,000 mercenaries and sympathizers. 3. The Quisling of the anti-British policy by the National Liberation Front has Governments of Tirana are composed of influential persons of been clearly seen since the day the Soviet Mission headed by the National Front, Legality and any other apparently Ivanov arrived and was attached with the National Liberation . Front. This Mission, insofar as we could ensure information, has independent element”55 Evidently, the Soviet and Yugoslav w/t contacts with Moscow, Bari and the Soviet Mission attached Missions representing higer political ranks back in their own with YANL (Yugoslav Anti- Fascist National Liberation) countries, were interested in the political atmosphere of Albania Headquarters. Over the past few weeks, Ivanov has spent most of at that stage of events being developed therein. the day talking to General Colonel Hoxha, and if he does not lead a portion of politics, he may at some point influence Hoxha in Interesting are the data on the Soviet Mission coming from interpreting his Party’s directives. Although there is no definitive observations of British or American liaison officers themselves evidence of the fruits of Russian propaganda in Albania, there is a living and operating alongside with them. Thus, in an information number of data showing that the purpose of the Russian Mission that Stephan sends to Fultz on September 6 after meeting the is not only informative. Most of the news published by NLF was two Russians in Odriçani, he reports on the actions of the two extracted from Radio Moscow”. The report further addresses the Russians, the problem of expecting their supply with weapons, issue of expecting supplies from Russia and even aid in gold, findings on the current situation of the partisans, etc. The report which is understandably related to the Communist propaganda: stated: “The following is information based on conversations “At the moment, there is talk that Major Ivanov will personally with the new Mission. We Russians came to Albania after our receive a Russian plane at Berat Airport that will be due to bring allies failed to inform us about this country. Our Mission is an in food to the starving civilian population... Unconfirmed reports intelligence mission. The Soviet Union is interested in doing away are circulating among the civilian population that Russia intends with all fascist barriers in Europe and this is also required in to provide substantial aid in gold to the NLF”. Albania”. “They are very secretive about their radio - further explains Stephan - which they use only at night or in the evening. Such propaganda was far from the truth. There were no Soviet The special engine powerful transmitter makes them keep in supplies/sorties of food touch with both Moscow and Bari. A lot of information, or gold nor supplies of weapons to help the war in this country. apparently non-military, is transmitted outside every night. He Further, although Ivanov celebrated the day of victory in Tirana told me that Hoxha asked for weapons and found out that alongside Enver Hoxha, the Soviet Union did not contribute to (weapons supply) was not a task of this Mission. He said the the liberation of this country partisan intelligence system is very weak. They live in a nearby house and rarely go out except to visit Hoxha”. Whether or not CONCLUSIONS military, it should be recalled here that the data obtained from Even though Albania viewed with admiration its ideological ally conversations between liaison officers and Soviet officers in the Soviet Union, the latter was and remained until the end of remains nonetheless relative. World War II on the periphery of its interests. All that can be summarized regarding relations between the two countries The problem of the Soviet mission using a radio also emerges in during WWII includes the effort of the USSR representative, J.M. archival documents where Major General Spiro Moisiu expresses Maisky, at the League Council session on May 22, 1939 to put the his concern about the arrival and dispatching this radio to its issue of Italian aggression against Albania on the agenda; the proper destination. The document reads: On October 28, 1944 occasion when Stalin expressed his opninion on Albania’s Major General Spiro Moisiu sends a phonogram to the National independence conditioned by the Big Powers in December 1941 Liberation Council (Zagori) stating: “A week ago a radio arrived talks between him and Eden on the issue of Soviet borders; the for the Soviet Mission. Let us know immediately where the radio attitude towards the occupation of Albania, the December 1942 is and why it has not yet arrived at the destination. “On the same Declaration in support of Albania’s independence; as well as the date, Major General Spiro Moisiu sends an urgent phonogram to dispatch of a Soviet Mission in Albania at the end of war in August Harun Tusha in Gjirokastra, stating: “The Soviet Mission radio 1944. But these developments did not come as a result of any has not arrived yet. You shall be responsible before this direct political interest of the USSR towards Albania, except in Command for such a strange delay”. Despite the fact that the the context of the Alliance of the Big Three, whose political Russians did not bring firearms supplies or other aid to Albania, interests were directed solely at the war and victory over the which were known to be provided by Anglo-American allies, Axis forces, namely, appreciation of the activity of the various despite full support of the latter (allies) for the NL Movement resistance groups against the enemy on the basis of their military with actions, sabotage, attacks, air and naval supplies and even rather than political contribution. clothing and food supplies, The Soviet Union had no direct interests in Albania except the the National Liberation Front gradually shifted to denying this propagation of the communist ideology there. The Soviet Red truth and extremely appreciating the Red Army’s efforts for the Army never entered Albania, it did not participate in the eventual victory. Specifically, in October 1944, the Berat Forum

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ALBANIA AND THE SOVIET UNION IN THE COURSE OF THE WORLD WAR II

liberation of Albania, it sent no weapons, supplies and aid 13. Hrushov Nikita, Unë nuk jam gjykatës, ombra GVG: 2004 whatsoever. 14. Jacques Edwin, Shqiptarët, historia e popullit shqiptar nga lashtësia deri në ditët tona, Kartë e Pendë: 1995 The first and only Soviet military Mission during World War II 15. Kaba, Hamit. Shqipëria dhe të Mëdhenjtë: nga Lufta e Dytë which arrived in Albania at the partisan Headquarters by the end Botërore në Luftën e Ftohtë, Tiranë: Klean, 2015 of the war, i.e., on August 11, 1944 consisted of two persons - 16. Kaba, Hamit. “Qëndrimi amerikan ndaj Shqipërisë në vitet e Major Ivanov and a wireless telegraph operator. Actually, there is rezistencës (1943-1944), Studime historike, nr. 3-4, Tiranë: very little information on the role, tasks and purpose of this 2009 Mission in Albania. Perhaps during its short period of stay in 17. Lucas, Peter. Misioni Amerikan në Shqipëri: operacionet Albania, this Mission was somehow influencing Hoxha and the sekrete të OSS dhe bashkëpunimi me partizanët komunistë policies he pursued at the end of the war; yet, be it a mission of a gjatë Luftës së Dytë Botërore, Tiranë: Bota Shqiptare, 2008 military or political nature, the sources available do not provide 18. Lalaj Ana, “Shqipëria dhe Projektet e (Kon) Federatave any indication of any significant impact of this Mission on current Ballkanike (1941-1945)”, Studime historike, nr. 3-4, Tiranë: developments in Albania, the more so given their period of stay 2009 and operation in this country. Meanwhile, the relations of the 19. Lory Bernard, Europa Ballkanike nga 1945 në ditët tona, Soviet Mission with those of SOE and OSS in Albania were Dituria: 2007 characterized by good, friendly and trouble-free relations, which 20. Milo, Paskal. Politika e Jashtme e Shqipërisë, Vëllimi I, confirms the fact that Allies during the World War II, irrespective Tiranë: Botimet Toena, 2014 of their opposed ideological doctrines, never compromised or 21. Milo, Paskal. Shqiptarët në Luftën e Dytë Botërore, Tiranë: jeopardized the existence of their anti-fascist Coalition but Botimet Toena, 2014 adhered to and complied with their Accord until conclusion of 22. Pearson, Owen. Albania in Occupation and War: from the war. fascism to communism: 1940 – 1945, London; New York: It should be added here that although it was the Anglo-American Centre for Albanian Studies; I.B Tauris: 2005 allies that by actions, sabotage, air and naval sorties and even 23. Puto Arben, Nëpër analet e diplomacisë Angleze: Politika e supplies of clothing and food, helped in carrying out the Albanian Britanisë së Madhe ndaj Shqipërisë gjatë Luftës së Dytë resistance against the Axis forces, the Albanian Communist Botërore; Tiranë: Albin, 2001 forces while smelling the taste of victory on the verge of the war 24. Puto Arben, Shqipëria Politike 1912-1939, Tiranë: Toena, ending, denied this fact in their speeches and glorified the war of 2009 the Red Army calling it a symbol of the anti-fascist struggle for 25. BHATTACHARYA, BHABANI. "MISERABLE CONDITION OF freedom and attributing gratitude to it for the eventual victory INDIAN PEASANTS DURING SECOND WORLD WAR IN SO over fascism. Their voice testified that the hour of communist MANY HUNGERS BY." International Journal of English and victory in Albania was ringing... Literature 8.1 (2018): 121-124 26. Pozita Ndërkombëtare e Shqipërisë gjatë Luftës së Dytë BIBLIOGRAPHY Botërore dhe në Mbarim të saj, Konferenca Kombëtare e Documentary archival sources Studimeve Shoqërore, Tiranë: 1969 1. Albanian Central National Archives (Arkivi Qendror i 27. Resis, Albert. “Spheres of influence in Soviet Wartime Shtetit/AQSH) diplomacy”, The Journal of Modern History, Vol. 53, No. 3 2. Institute of History Archives – Tirane (Arkivi i Institutit të (Sep., 1981), pp. 417-439, Chicago Journals, Northern Historisë në Tiranë/AIH) Illinois University, 2012 28. Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Europe, Council Historiographical Literature for the Mediterranean and Black Sea Studies, Russia: The 1. Barker Elisabeth, “British Policy in South-East Europe in the Mediterranean and Black Sea Region, Moscow: 1996 Second World War”, London: 1976 29. Smirnova Nina, Historia e Shqipërisë përgjatë Shekullit XX, 2. Bailey, Roderick. The Wildest Province: SOE in the Land of shtëpia botuese “ideart”, Tiranë: 2004 the Eagle. London: Vintage Books, 2009 30. Vickers, Miranda. Shqiptarët, një histori moderne, Botimet 3. Beretzky Agnes, British Confederation Plans concerning “Bota Shqiptare”, Tiranë: 2008 Central and Eastern Europe, 1939-1945 4. Bashkurti Lisen, Diplomacia Shqiptare, VI, Geer: 2005 5. WANI, GH HASSAN. "FILE: HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF BHAI BAND: A NEWSPAPER." IMPACT : International Journal of Research in Humanities, Arts and Literature(IMPACT : IJRHAL) 4-1 (2016): 69-76 6. Ballvora Shyqyri, Zhvillimet politike në periudhën e Luftës Antifashiste Nacionalçlirimtare, Dituria: 2004 7. Djilas Milovan (extracts). Conversations with Stalin. Translated from the Serbo-Croatian by Michael B. Petrovich (New York: Harcourt, Brace &World, 1962). 8. Dervishi Kastriot, Shërbimi Sekret Shqiptar, Historia nga fillimi deri në mbarim të Luftës së Dytë Botërore, Shtëpia botuese “55”, Tiranë: 2007 9. Yuan, Ting. "Application of Register Theory in Literary Translation A Case Study of the Translation of the Second World War." International Journal of English and Literature (IJEL) 7.4 (2017): 97-104. 10. Fischer Bernd, Shqipëria 1943-1945: një vështrim përmes dokumenteve perëndimore. 11. Tiranë: AIIS, Tiranë: 2012 12. Hibbert, Reginald. Lufta nacionalçlirimtare shqiptare: Fitorja e hidhur, Shtëpia Botuese e Lidhjes së Shkrimtarëve, Tiranë: 1993

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