GREEKS PRESSING ITALIANS HARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 December 1940, Page 5

GREEKS PRESSING ITALIANS HARD

Argyrokastron Definitely Occupied ENEMY RETREAT ON ALL PARTS OF FRONT THIRTEENTH R.A.F. RAID ON VALONA On all parts of the Albanian front, the Greeks are now reported to be pressing hard on the Italian rearguards. The report at the end of last week that the Italians had evacuated their fortified supply base of Argyrokastron was premature, but the 8.8. C. this morning broadcast an announcement: “It is officially confirmed in Athens that the Greeks have occupied Argyrokastron. ’ ’ The capture of Argyrokastron has aroused tremendous enthusiasm throughout Greece. All along the line the Italians are said to be setting fire to supply depots in a desperate effort to prevent materials falling into Greek hands. The Italians are now retreating along two roads, one of them running northward along the coast and the other from Premet, in the central area. On the northern front, where the Greeks were reported at the end of last week to hav advanced three 7 quarters of the way up the western shore of Lake Ochrida, the Italians are retreating on Elbasan. Italian ships are being sent to Valona to embark wounded. The R.A.F. has made its thirteenth raid on the important Italian coastal base of Valona, in Albania. Although the weather was bad, the attack was pressed home and all bombs fell in the target area. Strong fighter opposition was met and one Italian fighter was shot down. Attacks on Italian shipping were also made by British bombers and a direct hit was scored on a ship off the South Albanian coast. \ General De Gaulle, leader of the Free French forces, in a broadcast said recent events provided a fine opportunity for France to re-enter the war and so ensure final victory. Action by the French fleet and the French forces in Africa and Syria might turn the Italian defeat into a rout. He appealed to these forces to “march again on the path of honour and duty,”