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Exclusive/ Diplomacy of Independence: Three Unknown Historical Telegrams from German Archives

2025-11-27 17:47:17Histori SHKRUAR NGA MARENGLEN KASMI
Diplomacy of Independence: Three Unknown Historical Telegrams from German Archives

 

 

On the occasion of November 28, the declaration of independence, we are publishing for the first time from the Political Archive of the German Foreign Ministry three documents, which shed light on the diplomatic circumstances that accompanied the declaration of independence of Albania in 1912. The first document is a telegram of thanks that Faik Konica, Fan Noli and Naum Cere sent to the German Emperor on November 18, 1912, ten days before the declaration of independence, and two other telegrams that Ismail Qemali sent to the German Foreign Minister, - on November 29, 1912, officially informing him of the declaration of independence and on December 25, 1912, - where he requested the support of the German government.

 

Exclusive/ Diplomacy of Independence: Three Unknown Historical Telegrams from
Marenglen Kasmi

 

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The declaration of independence in Vlora on November 28, 1912 is one of the most important moments in Albanian history. The act of raising the national flag, in addition to its solemnity, also marked the beginning of efforts to ensure the recognition, protection and consolidation of the new Albanian state. At that dramatic time, when the Serbian, Greek and Montenegrin armies had occupied most of the Albanian lands and when decisions about the future of the Balkans, - especially Albania, - were being discussed in the chancelleries of Europe, diplomacy became the most important weapon of national survival.

In this complex mosaic of European diplomacy, Germany had a special importance, which certainly also applied to the Albanian issue. Unlike other powers that had direct territorial or political interests in the Balkans, Berlin did not seek territories, nor direct influence over Albania. Germany was seen by Albanian patriots as a great neutral, just and respected power, with considerable influence in the international arena and especially over its close ally, Austria-Hungary, the hope and at the same time the main defender of Albanian aspirations. For Albanians, Germany represented a safe door of diplomacy, a powerful voice that could balance the claims of neighboring states and help in the recognition of the new state at the Conference of Ambassadors in London. This was the reason why both the Albanian diaspora in the USA, as well as the Provisional Government of Vlora, turned to Berlin in the decisive days of the birth of the Albanian state.

Below we present three telegrams found in the Political Archive in Berlin (R 013384), which together shed light on Albanian diplomacy at home and abroad at the time of the founding of the Albanian state. These three documents can be assessed as a synchronized, conscious and courageous effort that united the Albanian diaspora with Vlora in a common historical mission: the international affirmation of the Albanian state and the protection of rights at the most dangerous moment of its early existence.

Ten days before the Declaration of Independence, on November 18, 1912, Albanian patriots in the USA, Faik Konica, Fan S. Noli and Naum Cere, on behalf of the Albanian diaspora, sent a telegram from Boston to the Emperor of Germany. In this short message, they expressed their gratitude to Germany for its understanding and protection of the Albanian nation, emphasizing the aspirations of the Albanians for unification and self-determination. This document testifies to the early and conscious engagement of the Albanian diaspora in efforts for the international affirmation of the Albanian cause, as part of a broader activity that Albanian communities in various countries of the world had undertaken in support of national rights.

Below is the telegram:

"The Telegraph Service of the German Empire"

Received: 10:18, date 18:11

No. 48, Kiel, His Majesty the Emperor, Germany

Sent: Boston Mass., year: 1912, 18.11., via Anglo-Anvers

His Majesty the Emperor

Kiel

 

Albanian patriots in the United States, gathered in Boston from all parts of the country, present to Your Majesty the most respectful thanks for the protection given to the Albanian nationality.

The Albanian people will always be grateful to Germany.

Long live Your Majesty, long live Germany.

Faik Bey Konica

Father Fan Noli

Father Naum Cere”

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Immediately after the declaration of Independence on November 28, 1912, Ismail Qemali, as head of the Provisional Government of Albania, sent a telegram to the German Foreign Minister officially informing him of the declaration of independence of Albania, the formation of a national government, and asking Germany to take into consideration the dramatic position of the new Albanian state, which was threatened by neighboring armies and the fragmentation of the territory.

This document is evidence of one of the first articulations of the Albanian state in the European diplomatic arena. The telegram is written in a serious tone and enviable diplomatic language, which shows the Albanian government to be dignified and aware of its national responsibility.

Below is the full text of the telegram:

"The National Assembly, composed of delegates from all Albanian provinces, without distinction of religion, gathered today in the city of Vlora, has just proclaimed the political independence of Albania and has formed a provisional government charged with defending the right to exist of the Albanian people, threatened with extermination by the Serbian armies, and with liberating the national land occupied by the armies of the Allied States. Informing Your Excellency of the above, I have the honor to ask the Government of His Imperial Majesty to have the kindness to recognize this change in the political life of the Albanian nation.

The Albanians, who are part of the family of peoples of Eastern Europe and are proud to be among its oldest, pursue no other goal than to live in peace with all the Balkan states and to become an element of balance; they are convinced that the Government of His Imperial Majesty, as well as the entire civilized world, will reserve for them a friendly welcome by protecting them against any infringement of their national existence and against any fragmentation of their territory.

The President of the Provisional Government, Ismail Qemal Bey.”

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A few days later, on December 25, 1912, Ismail Qemali sent a second telegram to Berlin, now with an urgent tone and a request for humanitarian intervention. The Greco-Ottoman war that was taking place in Albanian territory had caused great human losses, had destroyed villages and cities and threatened with epidemics and famine. Ismail Qemali warned that the continuation of military actions could wipe out even those few Albanian areas that still remained intact. His message contained a direct call for international intervention, trusting in the justice of Germany and the Great Powers.

This document reinforces Ismail Qemali's role as a statesman with broad vision, aware that the protection of the Albanian people was an urgent task of international proportions.

The telegram states:

"Referring to the joyful news that the Allied Powers, in compliance with the decision taken by the London Conference on the question of Albanian independence, have also agreed to approach the Great Powers for the determination of the borders of Albania, I have the honor to reiterate to Your Excellency the strongest assurances of the sincere desire of the Albanians to enjoy the fruits of peace as soon as possible and to maintain friendly and fraternal relations with their neighbors. However, I see with deep regret that the continuation of the state of war between Turkey and Greece is taking place on Albanian soil, causing loss of life and destruction of cities and villages; while the supply of such a large number of troops and the care of thousands of wounded and sick Turkish soldiers risk ruining it, leading to starvation and causing epidemics, in that only corner of Albania that has still remained free.

Convinced of the high feelings of Your Excellency, I hasten to appeal to your justice that, in the name of humanity, you intervene as soon as possible to stop the hostilities between Turkey and Greece, and thus protect the Albanians, who entrust their cause to the justice of the Great Powers, from the disasters of a war that they did not cause themselves.

The President of the Provisional Government, Ismail Qemal Bey.”

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The three telegrams clearly show that the Independence of Albania was not an isolated act, but an organized and coordinated effort that included Albanians inside and outside the country. The Albanian Diaspora and the Provisional Government of Vlora acted in harmony, at the right time and with the same goal: the affirmation of the Albanian nation in the international arena, the recognition of Independence and the protection of its right to be free.

The publication of these telegrams on the occasion of November 28 honors not only the historic moment of the raising of the flag, but also the silent, dedicated and far-sighted effort of Albanians who worked for their state with the means of diplomacy, thought and modern vision. These documents prove that the Albanian state was built on a broad national commitment, where the voices of Albanians at home and abroad acted together to ensure the recognition and consolidation of an independent Albania.

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