GREEK VICTORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 December 1940, Page 5

GREEK VICTORIES

NO FLASH IN THE PAN HOPEFUL COMMENT IN LONDON. ENEMY MAY ABANDON SOUTHERN ALBANIA. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 2. “The Times” in an editorial headed “The Italian Defeat,” takes » most favourable view ot the outlooK, and says: “The Greek victories are no flash in the pan. The Greek Army continues its advance. The port of Sarante must Have ceased to be used for supply, and Valona has probably been rendered useless, leaving the enemy to rely on Durazzo and what value he can extract from the roadstead at San Giovanni Di Medua. “It would not be a surprise if within the next few days the Italians were to abandon southern Albania altogether, perhaps down to the line of the Shkumbf River, which flows through Elbasan westward to the Adriatic. If that were to happen ■it Isnot inconceivable that Sarante should be used to supply the Greek Army on its western flank. “Opportunities for British naval and air action are foreseen in the event of Italy launching an attack on Greece which is not proved illus'ory. It is to the stout-hearted defence and dashing counter-offensive of the Greek Army that we owe the greater advantages, including fighter airfields on Greek soil, which we are now employing to so much effect. “The enemy has been severely shaken. Every fresh blow inflicted will add to .his discouragement and perturbation. On the other hand, a counter-stroke by an Italian armoured division in the coast belt of Albania might have a very strong effect and supply a fillip to Italian confidence. Lightly as the Greek soldier marches, even he requires lines of communication. The problem is one which can be solved only by the man on the spot. "General Papagos has the reputation of being prudent as well as energetic. He can be relied on to. weigh liis actions with care and at the same time not to miss opportunities. It may be taken for granted that the Italian command will make most strenuous efforts to repair the serious setback to the Italian plans and damage to prestige. . • “The German reaction is more difficult to assess. Opinions vary as to whether Hitler will strike in the Balkans or await the spring and meanwhile accentuate his attacks upon Britain in the hope of preventing us from sending further powerful reinforcements to the Middle East. “The rate at which we reinforce the Middle East is to a great extent determined by the shipping available, and it is against our shipping . and our oorts that Germany's heaviest blows are being directed. It is to provide a clue to the possible German policy. We must be ready in case Hitter should decide to strike harder at this country during the next three o£ four months.