DEEPEST ADVANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 108, 2 November 1940, Page 9

DEEPEST ADVANCE

ONLY TEN MILES

STARTLINGLY. MODEST

ENEMY CLAIM

A VAIN BOAST

LONDON, November 1,

The latest communique issued by the Italian High Command reveals tha^the furthest advance of the Italian forces into Greece is only ten miles. The communique, which consisted of only five lines, said that Italian forces had reached a road junction near. the River Kalamas which is such a small place that it is not shown on most maps. The Italians claim io have crossed at this point two days ago. The communique adds that Italian troops are carrying out repairs to bridges and roads damaged by the Greeks.

Today's Italian claim is slartlingly modest in view of yesterday's reports from Italian sources. These spoke of two columns advancing on the town of Janina, many miles past the River Kalamas. There is no sign that yesterday's boast that Janina would be taken today is likely to be fulfilled for a long time yet. Today's statement confirms the Athens report yesterday that nowhere had the enemy advanced more than a few miles into Greek territory.

Piraeus, the port of Athens, had two air raids today, but all ttu bombs fell in the sea, and fishermen put out in rowing boats to gather the fish that had been killed by the explosions.

One Greek newspaper urges the Greek people to follow the British example in air raids and remain calm and collected. The British learnt this cool courage from the ancient Greeks, the newspaper says.

Twenty-five Italian bombers took part in a raid on Patras and the Corinth Canal today, but the damage was slight. The latest official news from the Greek side comes in a communique issued early this morning, dealing with the fighting yesterday. It says that in one district adjoining the Adriatic th*; Italians had been repulsed everywhere and many prisoners taken. Other reports say that heavy Greek forces are being concentrated at the northern end of the Albanian frontier where heavy gunfire could stilV be heard from Yugoslav villages.

Reports reaching the Yugoslav frontier say that Italian troops which had advanced a mile and a quarter towards Fiorina were driven back to the frontier. It appears more and more that the Italians were taken by surprise when Greece refused to submit to threats. Germany is still remaining in the background, posing as a friendly mediator in the hope that Greece may be persuaded to patch up a peace with Italy. In an Italian raid on Salonika bombs fell where there were no military objectives. Fifteen people were killed and 50 injvired. Two Italian planes were shot down into the sea. Athens had two air-raid alarms, but no bombs

The Italians are showing some anxiety lest Rome should be bombed. The Rome radio announced that unless Rome was bombed first the Italians would not bomb Athens.

Ing the Italian coasts. Special surface craft will guide the fire from the trains.

The latest Greek war communique confirms earlier reports of gallant resistance to the invaders. The Greek navy has joined the army and air force in harassing the enemy. The Greek air force has been active over enemy territory, bombing and machinegunning positions.

Enemy infantry attacks supported by tanks in the Epirus region were repulsed. The Italians suffered losses, including some prisoners.

It was claimed in Rome that two Italian columns had advanced from different directions on Janina, 30 miles inside the Greek frontier. Reports from Bulgaria, however, state that the Italians have nowhere penetrated more than 9% miles into Greece.

It is also reported that near the Bulgarian border two Italian companies fell into a Greek trap and suffered heavily.

Athens reports that Greek officers are going to Egypt to organise and train 15,000 Greeks who are forming separate units.

The Greek Premier, General Metaxas, sent a message of sympathy to the town of Patras.

All Greek newspapers are being reduced in' size to two pages from tomorrow.