STEADY PROGRESS OF ALBANIAN ATTACK.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 167, 15 July 1918, Page 5

STEADY PROGRESS OF ALBANIAN ATTACK.

GREAT POLITICAL AND MILITARY EFFECT IN BALKANS. . LONDON, July 14. An Italian official report states:—We maintain contact with the new enemy line north of the River Sernepi, in Albania. We dispersed retreating enemy columns north of Berat. Our prisoners since July 6 exceed 1800. Our booty in Albania includes three guns and four trench, guns. A French eastern communique states:—Our advance in Albania continues on both banks of the DevolL Mount Komjans, on the right bank, has been captured. The mountainous region on the left bank, between the Devoli and the J'omorica, has been cleared except' for the hill commanding the confluence •where the enemy is resisting. Over 400 prisoners have been taken.—(A. and NX and Renter.) It ia confirmed that the Italians have captured Berat, to the south of the bemem River, in Albania. The captures by the Allied troops in Albania to date include six guns. The enemy losses have been very heavy. A semi-official Rome report states:—The importance of the success' in Albania is only realisable by a knowledge of the topography of the country Unlike most of the other theatres of war, the occupation of territory can only be earned out by detachments holding isolated tactical points. Our advance has resulted in shortening tlife front by dozens of miles. The Italian advance in Albania, with French assistance in the centre Greek co-operation on the right flank, and British naval support, is producing great political and military eiFect in the Balkans. All the oppressed Austrian nationalities are anxious to join in the fight. The latter declare that Austria is the Achilles heel of the enemy alliance. If the Allies succeed in attacking this vulnerable spot the whole Austro-German compact may collapse like a house of cards.—(Reuter.) __ ■ WASHINGTON, J>ily 14. Offic.al advices confirm the Italian capture of Berat. The French and Italian troops operating in Albania are seriously menacing the Bulgarian right wing near Moniwtir. The Allied offensive is developing favourably forcing an Austrian retreat which in places approaches a rout. Various engagements along a front of 80 miles, between Lake and the sea has resulted in the Allies capturing large quantities of war materials. The * ranch continue to advance at Osum and west of Koritza, while the Italians, operating from Valona, have seized Demalacastra and reached the lower course of the Semen! Austrian reports acknowledge that Berat was surrounded A r i °,-^ C /- UStr f ian6 c etirCd " American miUtar 7 °«Ma. expect momentarily an Allied drive from Salonika to begin.—(A. and N.Z. Cable) (Received 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, July 14. - An Albanian communique states :-Th c enemy suffered heavily in the retreat m Albania, and is now holding a line at the junction of the Tomorica and the Devoli.—(A. and N.Z. and Reuter. J