International Journal of Arts and Humanities ISSN: 2581-3102 Volume:05,Issue:01 “February2021” ALBANIAN OFFICIAL REPRESENTATION AT THE PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE 1919 (POLITICAL AND MEDIA REACTION) Rudina MITA Prof. Assoc. Dr. at the Faculty of Humanities, "Aleksander Xhuvani" University, Elbasan, Republic of Albania https://doi.org/10.46609/IJAH.2021.v05i01.002 ABSTRACT Some events in Albanian historiography have been interpreted in different ways in different periods. Before the 90s of the XX century, in Albania there was the same political force, which had won World War II. This governing force had as a vital principle the expression "We won the war, we write history". History was not compromised in scientific chronological accuracy but in its interpretive mode. Events that contradicted communist ideology were either left in oblivion or distorted in interpretation. One of these events was the participation of the official Albanian Representation in the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on this important historical event for Albania and Albanians. The paper itself aims to present the circumstances in which the official Albanian representation was elected, the participation in this conference, its position, the lobbying carried out in the interest of Albania and the Albanians, and the influence of the pro - Italian wing in it. The article is based on historiographical, memorial and media sources. The methodology used is that based on scientific research and research, as well as comparative methods in the interpretive confrontation of this event within the boundaries of the two Albanian historiographical periods before the "90 and after" 90 of the XX century. Keywords: representation, allies, peace forum, albanian national issue, italophile, mandate. 1. Introduction Albania after the end of the First World War, appeared in the stage of an economically backward country, militarily damaged. The country during this period was turned into a battlefield, and divided into several occupation zones under the hegemony of the states participating in the war. So, a serious situation was created despite its neutrality in this worldwide conflict. The country was at a crossroads not only in terms of the moment, but also of its own future. In this period of time, the Albanian state did not function. There was no leading government in the country. The local political elite in particular and the Albanians in general considered the necessity of the www.journal-ijah.org Copyright © IJSSER 2021, All rights reserved Page 7 International Journal of Arts and Humanities ISSN: 2581-3102 Volume:05,Issue:01 “February2021” formation of a provisional government as the only solution, and the representation of Albania as a separate state with its official delegation at the Paris Peace Conference. The situation was not good not only within the Albanian political climate but also in international diplomacy, especially in relation with Albania`s neighbors. The circumstances that conditioned the organization of the Durres Congress were difficult. The organization of the Congress was judged as a phase of compromise temporarily established between Albanian politicians in support of the current interests of the country. What was important for the country was the hope for the revival of Albania, which ignited and released the first sparks with the convening of this congress. The unfavorable international situation dictated to the Albanian congress and political caste a pro-Italian attitude for securing national sovereignty and for the further progress of the fate of this country. Regarding such a political climate, the historian Muin Çami said that: “Found, on the one hand, in the face of the disregard of Albanian national rights and, on the other side, of supporting the expansionist claims of neighboring countries by representatives of the three The Great Powers that won the war, in the first place the claims of Italy, a part of the members of the Government of Durres, as a salvation found the way of compromise with the representatives of the Government of Rome…”. (Cami, M., Albania in the course of history 1912-1924, (2007), pp. 98-99) The victorious Italian state from the First World War was seen as a lifeboat for survival for some of the Albanian political circles of the time. With the support and mediation of Italy, it was possible in record time, the creation of a Government, as well as an Albanian representation in the Peace Conference. Even with the insistence of Italy, driven by its direct interests, the idea of the Albanian issue under Italian auspices was lobbied at the conference. The Italian lobbying and strategy presented openly, already at the conference, caused a series of political and media reactions, inside and outside Albania. 2. Composition of the official Albanian Representation at the Paris Peace Conference Albania came to the Peace Forum in Paris with an official delegation selected, issued, and legitimized by the decisions of the Durres Congress, December 25, 1918 and with six other delegations representing the Albanians in the diaspora and Kosovo.1 In addition to the official delegates, the Representation of the Pan-Albanian Federation “Vatra” (Hearth) in the USA2, the 1 The delegation of the non-Albanian Federation “Vatra” (Hearth) of Albanians in America, the delegation of the National Political Party of Albanians of America, the delegation led by Esat pasha Toptani, the delegation of the Albanian colonies in Istanbul, and Romania, the representation of the Kosovo Albanian Defense Committee. 2 The Representation of the Pan-Albanian Federation “Vatra” (Hearth) consisted of personalities: Fan Noli, Rasih Dino, Anselmo Lorekio and two honored and well-known representatives for the support they had given so far to the Albanian cause Telford Ericson and Aubrey Herbert. This representation was later joined by Mihal Turtulli and Mehmet Konica. www.journal-ijah.org Copyright © IJSSER 2021, All rights reserved Page 8 International Journal of Arts and Humanities ISSN: 2581-3102 Volume:05,Issue:01 “February2021” Representation of the “Partia Politike Kombetare” (National Political Party) in the USA,3 the Representations of the Albanian colonies of Turkey, Romania, the virtual Representation of the Committee “Komiteti Mbrojtjes Kombetare” (National Defense of Kosovo)4; were present in the French capital, and the Representation headed by Esat pasha Toptani. The Albanian official representation, despite the changes made, was composed in such a way that it was dominated by politicians of all religious faiths that existed in the country. This is a very important precondition in achieving political peace in the country. In the status of the delegate there were elected: Turhan pasha Përmeti - Chairman (who was later replaced by Luigj Bumçi), Mehmet Konica - delegate for Foreign Affairs, Mihal Turtulli, Luigj Gurakuqi, Mehdi Frashëri (who were replaced at a later period of time by Mehmet Konica) and Gjergj Fishta.5 Mustafa Kruja was in the capacity of the assistant to the official delegation or representation. Many other Albanian personalities, not part of the representations were in Paris in support of Albania and the Albanians. (“The Sun”, (Dielli), Newspaper, March 5, 1919) In the beginning Mehmet Konica and Mihal Turtulli were an important part of the official Albanian representation. During the development of the conference proceedings, based on the created circumstances, there were discrepancies in thoughts and actions between the members of the Albanian official representation. The issue of the Italian mandate over Albania was also the point of contention between them, which led to their removal from the official Representation. Both personalities were identified with the delegates of “Vatra” (Hearth). This union was carried out for the fact that, they, felt and predicted how far the Italian goal and intentions on Albania could go. Even in the debates with Turhan Permeti, they defended and strongly supported the idea that “…we should not ferment our policy with the Italian Government”. (“The Sun”, (Dielli), Newspaper, March 5, 1919) In the reaction that these personalities showed towards Turhan Pasha, the deviation from the goals of national interest was opposed, for which they had supported the government and the representation headed by him. They realized that the national 3 The US Political Party consisted of: Ismail Qemali (and after his death on January 24, 1919 he was replaced by Nuredin Vlora), Parashqevi Qiriazi, Mihal Grameno, Nikola Ivanaj. Her honorary representative at the Peace Forum was Ismail Qemali. 4 This representation could not participate with its delegate Hasan Prishtina dueto obstacles created by the Government of Turhan pasha Permeti. Her presence was felt through protest notes, telegrams and articles published in the press of the time. He informed not only through a telegram American President Willson, on the situation in Kosovo, but asked him and the Peace Conference that on behalf of the two million Albanians to enable his participation on behalf of the Committee of National Defense of Kosovo in this event. From the side another through a series of correspondence with other Albanian personalities, informed them about the situation in the Albanian territories and the obstacles created for his non-participation in the Peace Conference. Many letters were addressed to the Peace Conference through the members of this 5 Lef Nosi and Sami bej Vrioni were also nominated. The first due to important work in Elbasan could not come on time, while Sami Vrioni shouted to be in service within the country. In their place were appointed Mustafa Kruja and Luigj Bumçi as assistant representatives. www.journal-ijah.org Copyright © IJSSER 2021, All rights reserved Page 9 International Journal of Arts and Humanities ISSN: 2581-3102 Volume:05,Issue:01 “February2021” goal was being avoided and from this beneficiary with concrete goals in Albania, was Italy. They raised their voices for reflection, which did not come clear, which forced them to withdraw from being part of this representation.