by Ilir Kuka

According to documents from the Legality Movement (OKLL), King Zog I of Albania met with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during his stay in England.

In the meeting, King Zog I expressed Albania’s support for the Anglo-American alliance against the Axis powers. He also protested the Bulgarian occupation of Skopje, describing the city as Albanian territory.

King Zog I stated:

“His Excellency, the Albanian people, appreciating the promising future of Albania, have placed themselves under the protection of the Anglo-Saxons. They seek to secure the independence and the historical borders of Albanian lands. Trusting in the victory of the Allied forces — on which the hope of a free Europe depends — Albanians have taken up arms and are fighting against the occupying powers and against Bulgaria, which has seized Skopje, a city that is entirely Albanian land.”

He further emphasized Albania’s loyalty to the Allied cause and its desire to participate in the common victory.

Winston Churchill reportedly replied:

“Your Majesty, I take this opportunity to assure the faithful Albanian people, through Your Majesty, that after the end of this decisive war, Albania will be free and will enjoy all its rights with its full former sovereignty.”

This reported exchange is preserved in Legality Movement documents from 18 September 1943.