Phone was ringing when Lorenzo entered his new office. He was promoted, now he was “Senior official for foreign citizens in Tirana region”. He looked around his office, there were some books on shells. He took one in his hand and read title: The Capital. In his hands was book that was proclaimed enemy number one in his home country. Before he knew it he opened first page. It was on Serbo-Croatian, he knew that language, it was language of his grandmother. Phone was still ringing. Lorenzo disposed book on his desk and answered.
-Pronto
-Good morning, may I speak with Stjepan Matic?
Lorenzo recognised language, it was the very same he read in book.
-Good morning.
He answered, trying to remember as much as he can.
-Who is there? Matic? Is it you?
-No, my name is Lorenzo Sentini. I’m official for foreign citizens in Tirana. How can I help you?
-I was calling Yugoslav embassy…
At this moment it was all clear for Lorenzo. He was in, what used to be, Yugoslavian embassy. He started to explain.
-Mr. there is no more Yugoslavian embassy. Building was empty when Italian troops entered city. What do you need, can I help you?
For Stojadinovic, this was too much. He hang up and started to think what will be his next move. Maybe to call British or French embassy in Tirana? He had to find out what happened with his staff in Albania, somehow.
His secretary entered and handed him few papers. He started reading, it will be a long day…
Few hours later he received a note from Jevtic. It was to inform him about staff meeting. Albanian situation and Poland entering Allies, he know that’s what will be discussed. He went for a walk before meeting, it always helps him to clear his head and sort his thoughts before such meetings.
-I’m sorry, but that is impossible! We are relatively small country and we can’t enter in such stupid race with much bigger opponent. I remind you that Italy has much bigger industry and tons of resources at disposal.
Shouted Jevtic. He was referring to Markovic’s proposal about army and technology investments.
Markovic was man who believed only in numbers and numerical superiority. Only way to defeat our enemies is to have 20 divisions where they have 2. Currently, Yugoslavian Army could outnumber some of our neighbours, but it had old equipment and poor morale.
Jevtic started talking:
-Now when our foreign minister arrived it’s time to hear what he has to say about situation in Albania and Poland. If I understand well, Albania is in Italian hands and Poland joined Allies. Is that correct Mr. Stojadinovic?
-Yes, but there is more. Our embassy in Albania is usurped and we don’t know anything about our citizens there. Albania is now considered to be part of Italian country and they directed me to our embassy in Rome. I contacted British embassy in Tirana but noone answers. I'll continue my search.
-And Poland, what about them? Asked Jevtic.
-Well I contacted Polish minister of foreign affairs and he told me that United Kingdom agreed to guarantee their independence and to defend their borders in case they are jeopardised. They think Hitler will go for more, despite the fact they ceded Danzig.
-Very well done Mr. Stojadinovic. Any advises about our next moves? Anyone?
Danilo Kalafatovic, chief of staff answered:
-I think we should build up our fortification on our border provinces, especially in Ljubljana, Skopje and Nis. And our foreign policy must be accommodated, now that we have new neighbours on our northern and south-west border. Also we could consider army modernisation.
-We should do so, I’ll give orders right away to start constructions in border regions. But for modernisation, we’ll have to wait until our industry recovers.
Thank you for coming, this meeting is finished. Every department will be informed about decisions and their duties.