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Show promises mm ! SELF-GOVERNMENT Austro-Hupgarian Officer Issues a Proclamation Pledging Home Rule. VIENNA, Jlarch 31. Tho commander comman-der of the Austro-Huneariau army of occupation in Albauia has issued n proclamation proc-lamation in which he promises self-gov-eminent under Austrian protection to the population of the country. In his proclamation the general says: "More than a vear ago we had to take possession of your country. We did not come as conquerors, but in pursuit pur-suit of our enemies who have also been the arch enemies of the Albanian nation for centuries. Austria-Hungary always was anxious to maintain tho integrity of Albania, but when the present war began your old enemies broke into your country and destroyed the hopes of all Albanian patriots. "To the honor of the Albanian nation na-tion it must be said that only a small number of bought traitors joined, the invaders. The majority of the people placed their hope on the power that lias over been the protector of Albania. The hope of the nation is now about to be realized, because the hour of liberation libera-tion has come. The Austro-IIungariau troops who are standing on your soil are friends, and the nation at whose aide many of your best sons arc fighting against the common enemy will victoriously vic-toriously complete the liberation of your country. "The dual monarchy respects your religious faith, vour rights and your I customs, and only desires to give an orrlerljf administration to your country. It is our aim to guarantee the safety of the lives, the honor and the property of tho citizens, to heal the wounds of the war and to promote the future development de-velopment of the nation. "Through the administration we give your country the Albanian nation will be prepared for complete self-government and taught to avoid the mistakes it has made in the past. The independence indepen-dence of Albania is to be proclaimed as soon as possible, and Austria-Hun-garv will always remain a vigilant protector pro-tector of the "country against its enemies. ene-mies. Trusting in the dual monarchy and its military strength, the Albanian nation will be able to march onward confidently and proudly on the road to liberty and a better future." |