316 Chapter 3
from obtaining their interests in Albania. A provisional government was established
on May 29, 1915. Italy occupied Vlore until 1920.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from September 13, 1914. End Date changed
from March 13, 1915.
MID#1778
Dispute Number: 1778
Date(s): June 6, 1920 to August 4, 1920
Participants: 325 Italy/339 Albania
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side A (Negotiated)
Fatalities: Missing
Narrative: The League of Nations had granted Italy the port of Avlona, the Albanian
port nearest Italy, as well as other Albanian areas not granted to other states. However,
in June 1920 fighting broke out over Avlona. The Italians set a deadline of June 17 for
the Albanians to withdraw from Avlona, but the deadline passed with the Albanians
still there. The conflict did not go well for the Italians. Typical of this was when, on
June 22, an Italian plane attacked Albanian lines; Albanians downed the plane and
took the airmen prisoners. Two days later Italian Premier Giolitti told Parliament that
Italy “desires to see the independence of that country [Albania],” and on June 28, Italy
sent an envoy to negotiate a settlement with the Albanian insurgents. The following
day the press reported that the insurgents took the Italian garrison at Avlona. By July
Italian officials publicly acknowledged plans to withdraw Italian troops from Alba-
nia. Giolitti said the only remaining issue for negotiations from the Italian side was
a worry for security in the port of Avlona; he expressed concern that another power
could take control of the port and launch attacks on Italy. Following assurances, both
sides signed an agreement on August 4.
Coding changes: End Date changed from July 28, 1920.
MID#108
Dispute Number: 108
Date(s): March 25, 1939 to April 8, 1939
Participants: 325 Italy/339 Albania
Outcome (and Settlement): Victory for side B (Imposed)
Fatalities: Missing
Narrative: After Hitler compelled the splitting of Czechoslovakia, Mussolini moved
to an acquisition of Albania. An ultimatum was given to Albania on March 25, 1939:
accede to the Italian Kingdom. The Albanian king refused, and on April 7, the Ital-
ians invaded. Italian forces quickly overwhelmed the Albanian troops and established
a protectorate by April 12.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from April 7, 1939. Outcome changed from
Victory for side B.