FORCE MENACED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 49, 7 December 1940, Page 5

FORCE MENACED.

ITALIANS IN ALBANIA.

GREEKS’ ADVANCE 19 GENERAL.

SUCCESS ON THE WHOLE LINE

6000 ENEMY TROOPS INTERNED. (United Press Association —Copyright.! (Received This Day, 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 6. The entire Italian Expeditionary Force is menaced, so well has the Greek High Command’s plan matured. That is the opinion of British front-line corfront.

Despite large fires started by the Italians, thereby destroying part of the town, the Greeks have captured an immense quantity of war materials at Saranda. A general Greek advance on the whole front is reported, although it is restricted in the north and also in the Pindus regions because of the mountainous country. Snow and fog are assisting the Italians to retreat on the north sector.

The Free French agency’s correspondent at Istanbul says that a total of oyer 6000 Italian troops have entered Yugoslavia from Albania and have been interned in 18 camps. Additional camps have been provided for the Slovenes serving with the Italian army. The Italians are separated? from the Albanians because of the frequent brawls. “The Times” Balkan correspondent says the Greeks’ main problem continues to be to fin(l the enemy in sufficient force for a decisive engagement. The Italians are endeavouring to avoid a decisive battle before'' they have regrouped their forces. .. ....... “The Times” military correspondent says it would be arousing false optimism to suggest that,an Italian rout is impending. Although Italy has-suffered! heavy defeats she is still militarily.' strong. j A Zurich message says that the Reich Propaganda Ministry is .busily spreads ing reports that Germany and Turkey are jointly trying .to , persuade Italy- to reach, a settlement, with Greece,* even at- the cost of sacrifices:. ~ ~,, ~. .