United Nations Treaty Series/Volume 1/1/15
No. 15
YUGOSLAVIA AND ALBANIA
Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance. Signed at Tirana, on 9 July 1946
Serbo-Croat and Albanian official texts communicated by the Acting Chief of the Permanent Yugoslav Delegation to the United Nations. The registration by Yugoslavia took place on 31 March 1947.
The people of the Federative People’s Republic of Yugoslavia and the People’s Republic of Albania have had in the course of their history with the same enemies, who threatened their independence and endeavoured to seize and subjugate the whole or parts of their territory. This was shown particularly clearly, recently when Fascist Germany and Italy attacked and occupied both countries with a view to dismembering them and permanently appropriating them.
The people of Yugoslavia and Albania, true to their fighting tradition, rose in defense of their independence and freedom, and after an unyielding resistance, shoulder to shoulder, for four years, succeeded in safeguarding their independence and freedom.
Being desirous of strengthening still further the ties sealed with blood in the days that were fateful for the peoples of both countries, and of solemnly confirming their lasting friendship and their desire for cultural and economic co-operation, and being desirous of confirming their determination to unite also in the future in joint defense of the freedom, independence, and integrity of their countries in case they are attacked by a third power aiming at subjugating them or seizing some parts of their territory.
Being convinced that joint defence serves of an interest, not only of both countries, but also of peace in the Balkans and in the world, and in complete conformity with the aspirations of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace,
The Presidium of the National Assembly of the Federative People’s Republic of Yugoslavia and the Presidium of the National Assembly of the People’s Republic of Albania have decided to conclude a treaty and have appointed their Plenipotentiaries to that effect as follows:
The Presidium of the National Assembly of the Federative People’s Republic of Yugoslavia,
Mr. Stanoje Simic, Minister for Foreign Affairs,
The Presidium of the National Assembly of the People’s Republic of Albania,
General Enver Hodja, President of the Government, Minister for National Defence, and Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Who, having exchanged their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed on the following:
Article I
Both High Contracting Parties have agreed, in the interest of the people of both countries, to further improve in every way the existing friendly relations by close co-operation between the two countries.
Article II
The High Contracting Parties will take jointly all measures necessary to ensure the independence and integrity of both countries, in order to prevent the future recurrence of attacks, similar to those made by the Germany of Hitler and the Fascist Italy of Mussolini.
To that effect, both High Contracting Parties will collaborate as closely as possible in all international actions undertaken for the maintenance of peace and security among nations. In fulfilling the obligations arising out of this Treaty, the High Contracting Parties will be guided by the principles laid down by the United Nations.
Article III
Should one of the High Contracting Parties be attacked by whomsoever with a view to threatening its independence, subjugating it, or seizing certain parts of its territory, the other High Contracting Party will immediately extend to it military and all other assistance with all the means at its disposal.
Article IV
The High Contracting Parties undertake that neither of them will enter into an alliance or take part in a coalition directed against the other High Contracting Party.
Article V
The High Contracting Parties themselves will settle all questions of mutual interest, on the basis of the most sincere friendship.
Economic, cultural, and other bonds between the two countries will be established by special agreements. Article VI
The present Treaty shall come in to force immediately upon signature and shall be ratified as soon as possible.
The instruments of ratification shall be exchanged at Belgrade.
This Treaty shall remain in force for twenty years from the date of signature. Unless it is denounced by either of the High Contracting Parties twelve months before the expiry of the twentieth year, it shall be extended for five years, and similarly thereafter until one of the High Contracting Parties notifies its intention to denounce the Treaty, twelve months before the expiry of the current five-year period.
In faith whereof the Plenipotentiaries have signed the present Treaty and thereto affixed their seals.
The Treaty is drawn up in duplicate in the Serbo-Croatian and Albanian languages, both texts being equally authentic.
Done at Tirana, 9 July 1946.
| By authority of the Presidium of the National Assembly of the Federative People’s Republic of Yugoslavia |
By authority of the Presidium of the National Assembly of the People’s Republic of Albania |
| (Signed) (L. S.) Stanoje Simic | (Signed) (L. S.) Enver Hodja |
- ↑ Came into force 9 July 1946 by signature.