STILL HOLDING OUT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 17, 31 October 1940, Page 5

STILL HOLDING OUT.

GREEK FRONTIER POSITIONS.

STRONIC ITALIAN FORCES.

LONDON, October 30

The latest reports from Greece - state that the Greek frontier positions are still holding out confidently against an assault by Italian bombers and fighters. The Greek General Staff realises, however, that’ the"’mailt Italian offensive has not yet been launched. It is officially stated that the British Navy has mined the two main approaches to Athens. The Italians are already bringing up reinforcements. Seven troopships are reported to have crossed the Adriatic to the Albanian port of Sant; Quaranti, and more transports are said to be preparing to leave Italy.';, . /

The latest Greek" war eohTmuniqoe state's ;~‘‘TheTtaliaris' used.strong forces yesterday, including light and heavy artillery, in the district of Epirus. Elsewhere there is little to report. Athens had an air-raid warning yesterday, but no damage is reported.” The Italian Minister, in Athens (Signor Grazzi) has taken refuge in the house of the German . Minister while awaiting his exchange with the Greek Minister to Italy (M. Politis). Many residents have flocked to their legation, which has been placed under a strong armpd guard. Greek aeroplanes flew o\er Southern Albania yesterday, dropping pamphlets calling on the Albanians to rise and strike a blow for their liberty. Ineie are many rumours of revolt breaking out in Albania. Most of these suggestions come from Belgrade, and have not yet received any confirmation. Bulgarian sources in Istanbul report the arrival of five German divisions in Albania, ready for a lightning attack across northern Greece the moment the Italians pass the frontier defences.