Authored by Petrit Latifi
According to a publication from the 1880s, there were many Epirote Albanians ready to fight for Albanian national cause. 8000 Albanians joined the League and another 2000 assembled. According to this telegram from “Pall Mall Gazette” form Magaraki in Epirus, dated November 18, 1880, we read:
“A telegram from the Pall Mall Gazette from Magaraki in Epirus dated November 18th says: I have just visited the principal Albanian districts in Epirus. The position of things is very critical. Eight thousand Albanian Epirotes have volunteered to serve under the League and 2000 assembled here yesterday.
It is believed that the Porte dares not resist the movement which is directed as much against Turkish rule as against the annexation of Greece. The demand for autonomy is the dominant trend. The Christian League alone has any real power here and the future of Epirus depends on the attitude of the Greek government towards the League. The hostility of the latter is more towards the terms of the proposed transfer than to the idea of incorporation with Greece. Their support is absolutely necessary for the settlement of the question and could be obtained by concessions which would be made to them with regard to self-government.”
Reference
Balkan Academia 