POSITIONS HELD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 October 1940, Page 5

POSITIONS HELD

AGAINST WAVES OF ATTACK MORE ABOUT THE ITALIAN DEMANDS. AIR RAIDS WARNINGS IN ATHENS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. October 29. ' Greek troops were reported this morning to be putting up a stubborn resistance against the Italians in the mountain passes on the Albanian frontier. There was no sign that the main offensive, which the Italians had threatened would begin this morning, was meeting with any success. Even the Italians Press makes no spectacular claims. A communique issued in Athens says: “Throughout yesterday enemy forces of varying strength attacked our positions at the frontier in successive waves. Our troops are holding their positions. Enemy aircraft attacked military positions without success. Two women were killed in a raid on the Epirus district.” An Athens message says that among the Italian demands were included occupation of the islands of Corfu and Crete, the harbour of Piraeus, the port of Athens and the district of Epirus. Though there is no definite news of the actual fighting, there is a mass of unconfirmed reports. One talks of a naval engagement near the Greek .coast. In Athens demonstrations ■ lasted well into the night, though the city had six air-raid warnings. General Metaxas has ordered a state of air defence. Citizens of Athens have been warned that they must adhere to the A.R.P. regulations, specially the black-outs. Greeks in every country are rallying the to colours. Many Greeks besieged the Greek consulate in Istanbul demanding to be sent home, and 600 are leaving today. Others will follow as soon as arrangements can be made. . It is officially stated in Istanbul that no request for Turkish aid has been received from the Greek Government.