THE GREEKS PAUSE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 44, 2 December 1940, Page 5

THE GREEKS PAUSE.

ENEMY RESISTANCE STIFFENED.

HEAVY FIGHTING IN CENTRE

LONDON, December 1

Reports from Albania indicate a •pause in the rapid advance while the Greeks mop up Ideal Italian forces. The Italians are doing their utmost to bring up reinforcements, the first of which have already considerably stiffened the resistance.

On the northern front the Greeks have won their most spectacular victory since Koritza fell. The Greek High Command has announced the capture of Pogradctz, an Albanian town of strategic importance 20 miles north of Koritza. It was occupied after fierce fighting. This capture is expected to facilitate future operations.

Heavy fighting is going on in the central sector, the Greeks repelling by bayonets Italian counter-attacks. The Greeks, after a bitter attack in this region, captured important heights which were previously a serious obstacle to their advance.

The Greeks west of Koritza have advanced to a point 20 miles west of Moskopolis, and the Italians are retiring toward Elbason, where the second line of defence is being prepared. The Italians west and north of Pogradetz are also apparently aiming to base their next resistance on Elbasan. In the coastal sector the Greeks claim to have made an important 'advance, and operations are developing favourably.

Describing the capture of Pogradetz, a Greek spokesman said that the Italians had fortified the town, and it was taken only after a stiff battle. Before they occupied it, the Greeks had to storm a mountain 6000 feet high, taking it at bayonet point. The booty captured included six field guns, 50 ma-chine-guns, a number of howitzers, 15 Italian officers and more than 200 men.

The communique announcing the capture of Pogradetz says that the Greek offensive continued throughout the day, and stubborn enemy resistance was overcome at various' points.