GREEK ADVANCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 December 1940, Page 5

GREEK ADVANCE

ALL ALONG THE FRONT ITALIANS RETREATING ON ELBASAN. STRATEGIC POSITION SHAKEN. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.57 a.m.) RUGBY, December 2. The latest Greek communique states: “A considerable advance has been made all along the front. Positions of exceptional importance in the development of operations have been captured.” The capture of Pogradec is regarded by newspaper commentators as dealing a heavy blow to Italy’s strategic position, and may have far-reaching consequences. Pogradec lies at the southwestern end of Lake Ochrida, through which the frontier with Yugoslavia passes. Reports are current that the retreating mechanised Italian units are proceeding along the side of the lake north of this small town, while the infantry is proceeding west-north-west-wards. It is suggested that the Italians intend to take up a new position on a line east of Elbasan, 20 miles northwest.

HUGE GAP

OPENED IN ITALIAN CENTRE FOLLOWING ON CAPTURE OF PRISONERS. DIFFICULTIES OF PURSUIT INTO PLAIN. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 2. The Associated Press of Great Britain Athens correspondent reports that the Greeks have captured 5,000 /Italians on the northern front. Their surrender is reported to have given the signal for a general retreat by other Italian forces in the same area, leaving a huge gap in jthe Italian centre. The Greek military authorities forbid mention of the spot at which the Italian line was broken. The Exchange’s correspondent at Moscopolye says heavy snow and a gale slowed down the Greek advance, but the initiative is still in their hands. The latest victory has permitted the establishment of a new line in the extreme north. It is authoritatively stated in London that further Greek advances must now be expected to be slower. The Greeks cannot be expected to sweep on relentlessly straight through Albania. If the Greeks advance further, they will reach flat coastal plains, where the Italian’s superior equipment, particularly tanks, would be more advantageous than in the mountains. The Greek pursuit prevents the Italians driven from Pogradec from taking up new defence positions, and well-armed bands of Albanian rebels threaten them in the read, near Elbasan. These rebels are reported to be commanded by a supporter of ex-King Zog.

ITALIAN CLAIM ALL ATTACKS REPELLED. (Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, December 2. An Italian communique says: “Violent enemy attacks on the Greek front were everywhere repelled. Our coun-ter-attacks threw the enemy back to their starting lines, with heavy losses, particularly on the right wing of the Ninth Italian Army. Colonel Trizzio, leading the FortySeventh Regiment, met with a heroic death. Enemy planes bombed Kassala, Burao, Assab, and Metemma. A number of persons were killed and wounded. GRIP ON RUMANIA FRESH GERMAN DIVISIONS. REPORTS OF INCREASING ANARCHY. (Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, December 2. The Budapest correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that according to reports from the Ru-manian-Hungarian frontier, four fresh German divisions are entering Rumania through Hungary, while anarchy is increasing throughout Rumania. The correspondent says a German motorised division paraded the streets of the capital with King Michael in rear of the parade. Over fifty Cerman planes flew over a grandstand where German generals surrounded General Antonescu and crowds silently watched the Germans and lustily cheered King Michael.