Contrary to what is said, Zogu and Noli had quite good relations at the beginning of parliamentary life in Albania (LETTER)

Two kind friends.

Contrary to what is sometimes said, Ahmet Zogu and Fan Noli had quite good relations at the beginning of parliamentary life in Albania. Later politics would separate them, but would bring them together again.

They met in 1921, when Noli went to Albania from Geneva and became a deputy representing America's Homeland. Both were members of the People's Party. Zogu was 26 years old, Noli 39.

At the end of 1921, Noli was offered the position of foreign minister in Xhafer Ypi's government, but he did not want it. Interior Minister Zogu had to intervene for Noli to accept. Noli resigned in March 1922, after a dispute with Ypi.

In the summer of that year, when he was in Rome, Noli left some private orders to Zog and he carried them out, as can be seen from this letter written beautifully and politely a century or so ago:

Dear friend, Monsignor Fan S. Noli

in Rome.

As soon as I received the first letter from your Mr. I paid the money to the master of the house and to your servant as you wrote in the letter, taking the proper receipts. As for the furniture work, we asked at the Durrës Customs, but nothing has arrived either. As for the name Nasi Laze, I have to investigate where he was arrested, because there is no such name here in Tirana. I am glad that you are always well and that we can join you here soon. I send you my greetings, I remain faithfully yours.

A. The bird

Tirana, 15.7.1922