GREEKS HOLD POSTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 18, 1 November 1940, Page 5

GREEKS HOLD POSTS.

AFTER SLIGHT WITHDRAWAL.

LONDON, October 31

A communique issued by the Greek General Staff this morning states: “At the sqnth-western end of our line, in the Epirus sector, the Greek troops kept their positions throughout yesterday, after a slight withdrawal by their advanced forces to prearranged positions. The rest of the front remains calm. “Bands of irregulars collaborated with the enemy. “Italian aeroplanes bombed Patras and machine-gunned civilians. One was killed and five were injured. A number of houses collapsed.” Greece’s small air force was in action yesterday when three Greek bombeis machine-gunned Italian troops in the Epirus sector. One Greek aeroplane failed to return from a battle with Italian fighters over Albanian territory. Reports from Balkan sources refer to the extent of British assistance and relate various fields in which British forces are said to be operating. It is stated in London that such reports should be treated with reserve, as the only active assistance yet reported by Britain is the laying of minefields m Greek waters and air attacks on Italian btISGS An Italian communique states: “Our troops continued their advance into Greek territory, and everywhere brewe the resistance of the enemy rearguard.