Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1940. THE MIDDLE EAST.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 17, 31 October 1940, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1940. THE MIDDLE EAST.

Till official news regarding the activities of the Greek and Italian armies is received through British sources, no very clear view of what is happening in the new theatre of war can be given. Up to the present news from Greece states that the Greek armies are holding the invaders back at all points, and have even penetrated several miles into Albania. On the Italian side the claim is that the invaders have crossed the border at all points and are continuing the drive to the south. It is not clear just what attitude the Turks will adopt. Some sources say that jn the meantime Turkey will maintain strict neutrality, but there is no definition of what this “strict neutrality may mean, for there are statements to the effect that Turkish troops have taken up positions inside the Greek borders. From quarters that may he under Axis influence come several bulletins to the effect that a revolt has broken out in Albania and is spreading, to the embarrassment of the Italians, while from still other centres comes the news that the Axis is offering Russia a free hand in Iran, Afghanistan and even in India in return for keeping out of the Balkans. Just how much reliance can be placed on these reports it is difficult to say, and it may be several days before the actual position is revealed.' That it will be interlaced with treachery and Axis intrigue there is no doubt. In the meantime, Greece appears to be holding her positions well, despite lack of equipment that could reasonably contest the issue against the long-prepared armies of Italy. One of the greatest features of the new outbreak, of course, is the fact that Britain, backing up her guarantee of support to Greece, is sending all possible aid to our new ally. This will consist mainly, in tjjie early stages, of naval units based in the eastern Mediterranean, and as Mr Alexander stated, this aid “has already begun. Greece on her own would perhaps !)e no match for the Italians. Her Navy consists of a mere handful of ships and a few submarines. Her air forcenumbers about 200 aeroplanes. These alone would be of little value, but added to the British forces they make a welcome addition to the strength at our command in the Middle East, and it can be left- to the military leaders to make the best use of them. A spark has been exploded in the Balkans and the outcome no man can guess.