POSITION CLARIFIED

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 129, 27 November 1940, Page 7

POSITION CLARIFIED

Fighting In Albania

EXTENT OF ITALIAN RETREAT

R.A.F. Plays Active Role

LONDON, November 26.

The military position in Albania and the extent of the Italian retreat were clarified in London today. In the north it is nolv revealed that the Italians attempted to hold Pogradetz by sending up reinforcements which were smashed by the Royal Air Force. British bombers attacked the advancing columns and dispersed them.

It appears, according to information available in London, that the Italians are trying to restore the situation without having to make a humiliating appeal to Germany. Reinforcements are being sent from Italy in as great a number as the Italians can manage, and it is thought they may have brought about two divisions into Albania as soon as the operations started.

There is no definite information at present whether the Greeks have captured Argyrokastron yet, but probably the Italian air base there had to be evacuated. It is nearly a fortnight since the Royal Air Force attack on the airport was announced, and when they were over Argyrokastron last Thursday, their targets were described as "military concentrations."

Aerodromes near the battle front have to be given up as soon as they come within range of artillery, and it is probable that the Italians have now lost most of their advance bases in Albania. Two of the most modern of these bases were at Koritza, and it is believed that the Italians started laying down new runways near Argyrokastron for winter operations. CIVILIANS ATTACKED. Once again today, the Greek communique has no Italian raids on military objectives to report, but in at least four places the Italians attacked civilians. At one place six people were killed, including three women and two babies. At '■ another place, the casualties and damage was insignificant.

The Italian resort to frightfulness which has already been reported by the Greeks is confirmed in London. Greek villages have been wantonly burnt, villagers have been executed, and hostages taken.

The Italian prisoners coming into Athens now are of a type greatly inferior to those captured at first who belonged to the Alpine division.