GREEK GUERILLAS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 236, 18 July 1947, Page 3

GREEK GUERILLAS

BIG BODY ENCIRCLED ACTION IN MOUNTAINOUS AREA (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 10.25 a.m.) ATHENS, July 17. Greek Government forces encircled between 1500 and 1800 guerillas in the Pindus Mountains, 20 miles north-east of Janina. Rocket-firing Spitfires assisted the Government forces, who took 312 prisoners during the day. The Janina correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says the action is in the mountainous, densely-forested Zagora area east of the Janina road to the frontier. He adds that the guerilla forces will either be wiped out or, owing to the difficult terrain, small groups may escape to rejoin the bandits in the Grammos mountains area. In any event, the immediate throat has been overcome. The Greek News Agency says that guerillas hiding in small parties in woods and ravines are avoiding any pitched battle. An official report says that 210 guerillas were killed, 150 wounded and 14 taken prisoner. Fifty surrendered in the first week of July. The Communist newspaper “Elleftheri Ellada,” quoted a broadcast from the guerilla radio, saying that it was essential to create an independent Communist Government in “free regions” of Greece. The radio said the guerilla leader, General Markos, had announced that the guerillas were willing to come to terms with the Greek Government if their demands were met.