PROBLEM FOR THE AXIS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 45, 3 December 1940, Page 5

PROBLEM FOR THE AXIS

SUCCESSES BY THE GREEKS.

COMMENT IN LONDON PRESS.

LONDON, December 1

The magnificent campaign carried out by the Greeks gives rise to speculation on the effect on Italian and German relations of this serious reverse suffered by the Axis junior partner, an effect which this morning’s Greek High Command announcement that advanced units entered Pogradetz will do nothing to allay.

The “Observer” describing the war, says: “So far*’this war of independence waged by a little Power against a great Power is one of the classic campaigns of military history.” The “Sunday Times,” discussing the Axis relationship, states: “One must remember, however, that it • is not merely a fighting alliance between Italy and Germany but a personal, or to be more precise, a* professional tie that so long has united the two- dictators. Neither can really afford to see the other go down. . . “If German bayonets were required in Italy to keep Mussolini in power, they would be sent. We need not he alarmed at their advent. Hitler can earn no gratitude nor friendship from the Italian people. He cannot feed them, nor can he prevent us from blockading and bombing them. “He can merely add one more, in effect, to the list of occupied countries. It will he a further tax on his strength, a further millstone round his neck when he reaches deep water. “Our task, therefore, and tjhat of our armed forces, is for the present a clear one. It is to continue hitting the Italian forces hard and often, and in as many places as we can.”—British Official Wireless.