Mussolini’s Legions Sweep Across the Adriatic — Tirana Falls in a Day!
Rome, April 7 (AP) — The world watched in stunned silence yesterday as Italian troops stormed the Albanian coast, landing under cover of naval bombardment and swiftly seizing the capital of Tirana. King Zog I, accompanied by Queen Geraldine and their infant son, fled into exile in the Kingdom of Greece after a brief but futile resistance.
Premier Benito Mussolini, speaking from his balcony at the Palazzo Venezia, declared the invasion a “glorious reunion of Latin blood.” The Duce’s forces, numbering nearly 100,000, met only scattered opposition as Albania’s defenses crumbled within hours. Italian banners now fly from Tirana to Durrës, and the Albanian army has been disbanded.
London and Paris lodged strong protests this morning, branding Italy’s action “a flagrant act of aggression,” though diplomats privately admit that little can be done short of war. Reports from Berlin suggest that the move was coordinated with German interests, further tightening the Axis grip on Europe.
NEW SWING SENSATION SWEEPS THE STATES — GLENN MILLER STRIKES GOLD!
“Moonlight Serenade” Tops the Charts — Dance Halls Can’t Get Enough
New York City — From coast to coast, jitterbugs are cutting rugs to Glenn Miller’s latest smash hit, “Moonlight Serenade.” The tune, with its smooth trombone glide and velvet brass harmonies, has America swooning. Miller’s orchestra, now booked solid through the summer, is said to be “the bee’s knees of the ballroom.”
The maestro himself told INN reporters, “We just wanted to make music that swings — and maybe helps folks forget the headlines for a while.” Radio stations are spinning the record round-the-clock, and music shops can’t keep copies in stock. Experts predict Miller may rival Benny Goodman as “King of Swing” before year’s end.
LEBRUN RE-ELECTED PRIME MINISTER OF FRANCE
Paris, April 5 (Reuters) — Albert François Lebrun was re-elected Prime Minister of the French Republic this week by the National Assembly. Amid the growing shadow of European unrest, Lebrun called for unity and vigilance, warning that “France must be strong to remain free.”
Though critics claim the Third Republic is showing its age, most Parisians welcomed the stability his continued leadership represents.
NEW YORK GETS READY FOR THE WORLD’S FAIR
Flushing Meadows to Open in Three Weeks — “World of Tomorrow” Nearly Complete
With construction crews working day and night, the 1939 New York World’s Fair nears completion. Organizers promise dazzling exhibits of science and industry, from futuristic cars to a fully electrified “City of Tomorrow.”
Mayor LaGuardia declared, “New York will show the world what American know-how can do!” The Fair opens April 30th, with President Roosevelt expected to attend.
LOCAL NEWS & SHORT WIRE
Harlem Nightclubs Give a Moral Boost! — In the midst of the current emergency, the Cotton Club reopened this week with a new revue, and patrons are calling it “the cat’s pajamas.” Big bands, bright lights, and the return of spring giving the citizens some hope in their current dark times.
Stock Market Drooping — Wall Street saw major losses this week as investors are in doubt of the future. The Dow Jones closed at 35.3.
Weather — Fair skies and a light breeze across the Eastern Seaboard. High 64°, low 49°. Perfect flying weather for the new Pan Am Clippers.
AROUND THE WORLD
Hitler Visits Italy Next Month — The Führer plans a state visit to Rome to confer with Mussolini following the Albanian campaign.
Britain Expands Air Defense — London announces a new fleet of Spitfire fighters as fears of war mount.
Baseball Season Opens! — Yankees hammer the Senators, 9–3. Joe DiMaggio knocks one clear over the fence at Griffith Stadium.
Film News — Clark Gable begins filming Gone With the Wind in Technicolor. MGM promises “a motion picture for the ages.”
