PROBLEM FOR ITALY

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 121, 18 November 1940, Page 7

PROBLEM FOR ITALY

MAINTENANCE OF HER COMMUNICATIONS

COMMENT IN LONDON

(British (Jfflelal Wireless.)

RUGBY, November 16.

The main-comment in official circles in London on recent events in Greece is to the effect that though Italy probably' has an army of from 200,000 to 250,000 engaged, and good stocks of food and ammunition, she will be unable to conduct a major campaign against Greece unless she is .able to keep ntf communications open. It is significantly pointed out that Durazzo, the Albanian port which, has lately been the object of Allied attentions, is said to handle 80 per cent, of the stores entering from Italy. Regarding the recent appointment of General Soddu as Italian commander-in-chief, it is,noted that he has divided his forces into two armies, one of which is commanded by General Vercellino, formerly commander of the mechanised army, and the other by General Geloso, one-time G.O.C. in Albania.

Referring to claims in a Greek communique of the capture of about 700 prisoners and 10 cannon, military circles state that these were probably in the Pindus area, though operations have also been proceeding at Biklishta; east of Koritza, on Albanian soil.