875.01/11–2444: Telegram
Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, Political Adviser, Allied Force Headquarters, to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:07 p.m.]
1488. We are informed that following liberation of Tirana by Partisans, FNC controls about four-fifths of the country and it is probable [Page 289] that active partisan resistance will decrease against Nazis. In southern Albania ANLA brigades are being formed into units for work of reconstruction. We understand also that as soon as Partisan resistance groups have become organized into military formations their functions tend to become political rather than military and they are no longer primarily concerned with fighting the Nazis. Real strength of FNC still lies in Army of National Liberation. From recent reports, it would appear that FNC has been adopting obstructive attitude towards Allied Missions in Albania. Restrictions are being placed on the movements of members of these missions and they are not permitted to contact civilian or any source of information other than Partisan headquarters.
Conditions in Valona area are reported to be very satisfactory. In Korçë area difficulties are arising between Partisans and Albanian civilians as latter do not seem willing to perform reconstruction work without pay and Partisans as yet are not sufficiently well organized to enforce orders. Many rumors are current in Albania regarding Soviet deliveries of relief to Yugoslavia and the possibilities of early similar deliveries to Albania.
Sent Department, repeated to Moscow as 138.