TAKEN BY GREEKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 November 1940, Page 5

TAKEN BY GREEKS

STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT MOUNTAIN INSIDE THE ALBANIAN FRONTIER. MEN AND TRANSPORT CAPTURED. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, November 2. The Greeks are reported to have checked the Italian drive from Korea by capturing at the bayonet’s point the strategically important summit of Mt. Pissoderi, . which dominates the only possible route to Florina for motorised col- ’ umns and from which Korea can be bombarded. The right flank of the Greek army m the Florina sector advanced about five miles inside Albanian territory along the main road.. The Greeks farther south in the Pindus area apparently retired some 10 miles but advanced again after receiving reinforcements, and captured a ridge of the Pindus mountains. The enemy is bringing up various types of artillery in the'southern coastal section and seems obviously io be preparing an attack; This is the most likely region, for them to use tanks and other mechanised units. It is understood that about two divisions of Italian troops are concentrated in tms Greek communique states: Our troops in the Florina sector, after overwhelming enemy resistance, penetrated Albanian territory for 3J miles. We occupied strong military positions and captured nine officers, 163 men and 150 horses and mules. There were heavy artillery duels on the Epirus front. Enemy planes bombing Corfu bore Greek colours. Our air force, flying low, bombed the aerodrome at Korea. One enemy plane was shot down. Italian planes today raided Athens, Salonika, Canea, Patras and Perama. There was little damage, except at Patras. The Greek Ministry of Security says that 90 are dead and 209 injured as the result of Italian raids on Greece. The heaviest casualties occurred in Salonika, where 59 have been, killed and 84 injured in a number of raids. It is authoritatively reported from Rome that Italy has no intention of entering negotiations for liquidation of the Greek conflict by negotiation. The Greek rejection of the ultimatum set in motion the Italian military machine, which will proceed to deal with the situation. The “Messagero” says that Greek troops are furnished with excellent British fighting equipment. An Italian communique says: Our air force bombed the military arsenal and ships at Salamis and various military objectives, in addition to the Corinth Canal, Corinth and the Athens railway. Formations bombed and machine-gun-ned troops landing at Crete, also damaging several ships, port installations and stores. Referring to the Greek capture of Mt. Pissoderi, an agency message from Athens says that the Greeks are taking full advantage of the strategic importance of this height. With surprising skill they dragged up artillery and opened fire on the Italian motorised columns which were endeavouring to force their way up through the pass. The Italians were taken by surprise and put to flight. The Greeks have reinforced their position as an Italian counter-attack is expected, but the deep caves give the Greeks natural shelter from the air attacks which the Italians have launched. The Italians carried out another series of raids on Greek towns, bombs being dropped at random. Five enemy planes were brought down and 15 Italian airmen were taken prisoner. One of the raiders was rammed by a daring Greek pilot who had expended his ammunition. The latter made a successful forced landing. The former Albanian Minister in

Athens has placed himself at the disposal of Greece. He said that the overwhelming majority of the Albanian people were awaiting the moment and the means to use against their Italian oppressors. A former Albanian Prime Minister has pledged the help of the Albanian national movement.