THROWN BACK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 297, 14 December 1940, Page 9

THROWN BACK.

ENEMY COUNTER BLOW

150,000 Italians Reported Opposing Greeks.

Liiited Press Association.—Copyright. (Reed. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, Dee. 13

Dispatches from the Albanian front state that the Greeks have smashed General Soddu's desperate attempt to recapture the northern heights of Mokra, which were the greatest obstacle to the Greek advance toward Elbasan. The heights remain in Greek hands after a tierce "infantryman's battle"' lasting three days on a ;JO-mile front.

An unconfirmed report says empty cargo ships and transports have arrived at Yalona. possibly for the evacuation of Italian troops.

Greek scouts nave reported that the famous Italian Centaur Armoured Division, which was not broken during the retreat, has jettisoned its tanks, armoured cars and trucks in the ravine of Foytisa rather than permit them to fall into Greek hands.

The Greek War Ministry over the radio that the advance on the whole front continues. The Italians were driven back near Tepelini. On the northern front the Greeks broke the resistance of six Alpine battalions, cap tuning important heights.

The Athens nfglit communique stated: "Local operations were carried out on various parts of the front. A reconnoitring patrol captured about 150 prisoners, including some officers/'

Military circles !n London report small general advances along th;> frojit in Albania, says a British official wireless message. Neither Kelcyce nor Tepelini ale yet reported to have been captured, but informed circles express the opinion that the fall of these towns ionl\ a question of time. It apj>ear> that about 14 Italian divisions, nuniU>ring between IftO.CXH) to J.VMXmj men, are opposing the Greek Army.