Office of the Historian

811.111 Rustem, Avni: Telegram

The Minister in Albania (Grant-Smith) to the Secretary of State

Tirana, May 4, 1924—noon.
[Received 11:25 p.m.]

40. My 35, April 20, 6 p.m.1 The opposition has profited [by] assassination of Avni Rustem2 to launch agitation which may result in revolution. Deputies attending funeral at Valona made speeches and telegraphed majority party here demanding that Assembly meet elsewhere, alleging lack of personal safety in Tirana. Receiving negative reply, they declared intention not to return for the session opening 7th. Battalion; moved to Valona. The Prime Minister made a proclamation warning that revolting would probably result in dissolution of country. Fear of continued influence of late Prime Minister3 of reactionary leanings and desire to force removal of seat of government apparent actuating motives.

Copy to European Information Center.

Grant-Smith
  1. Not printed.↩
  2. A prominent delegate to the Constituent Assembly who was shot on a street in Tirana Apr. 20 and died Apr. 22.↩
  3. Ahmed Bey Zogu.↩