Withdrawal on Epirus Front

Evening Star, Issue 23728, 8 November 1940, Page 5

Withdrawal on Epirus Front

Positions Held on Other Sectors British Planes Bomb Italian Bases Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, November 7, (Deceived November 8, at 11.25 a.m.) A Greek communique admits a slight retreat on the left extremity of the Epirus front. It states that there was exchange of artillery fire yesterday along the whole northern front. “ Our troops on the extreme left near the sea coast have fallen back slightly, otherwise the news from the front continues . to give satisfaction, states the communique. “ All gains in Albania are reported to be firmly held and reinforced. The Greeks have taken nine howitzers, four field pieces, and 32 machineguns besides prisoners on the central front, where an Italian force was cut off in the Pindus region. Most of the captures were made as isolated units attempted to escape from the trap in the network of deep ravines.” The Greek Ministry of Security announced that Italian raiders destroyed a church a Yolo, also damaged a monastery and bombed Corfu, Patras, Corinth, and Larissa. Insignificant damage was also done to a seaside resort, where a few - women and children were killed. British planes co-operated with the Greek air force in patrol . work and raids yesterday. British bombers attacked towns and ports in Southern Italy and ports in Albania. Vlona, ,an important receiving base for the Epirus front, was heavily damaged. Italian pilots brought down in recent raids have arrived in Athens. They said: “We understood that Greece would not defend herself.” The first British airman to die for Greece is being buried with military honours to-day. All unconscripted workers aged 16 to 60 have been mobilised for the war effort.

R.A.F. BOMBS ITALIAN PORT

ITALIAN CLAIMS LONDON, November 7. (Received November 8, at noon.) An Italian communique claims that the Italians crossed the Kalarnas River. The air force bombed a number of Greek towns. SWITZERLAND ASSAILED ITALIAN RADIO AND PRESS CAMPAIGN ALLEGATIONS OF BIAS Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, November 7. The Italian .Press and radio has started a campaign of abuse against Switzerland, which even the German radio in its most vitriolic mood could not hope to equal. It is described as a “ last humane warning.” Complaint k made of the way in which the Greek war is reported, and all the Swiss newspapers, which are widely read in Italy, have been banned with the exception of two. Anti-Italian bias is alleged, and the campaign of villificatiou reached its peak last night when the Italian radio addressed the Swiss as “ democratic innkeepers and travel guides, a motley bunch of waiters, retailers of butter, and semi-profiteers, and agents provocateurs in the service of Britain.” INVASION MAY BE TRIED AMERICAN JOURNALIST'S BELIEF NEW YORK, October 28. The Germans are likely to attempt an invasion of England within the next four weeks, according to a syndicated story by William P. Simms, foreign editor of the Scripps Howard chain of newspapers. He bases his belief on confidential advices from high French naval officers, who forecast an invasion between October 25 and November 25, when the Channel is sometimes glassy calm, with a thick haze. Simms adds: “ This coincides with a report that I received from Norway at the end of September that the Nazis were deliberately holding back the invasion until the October and November fogs. , _ “ My informant said that the Germans had commandeered 10,000 fishing smacks in Norway alone, had tuned up or replaced their motors, and installed wheels in the bows to facilitate beach landings. “ From French sources I now learn that the Germans recently commandeered hundreds of roomy flat-bot-tomed river barges, on which they are installing steel platforms to carry tanks.” Simms believes that the unnecessary hullabaloo in the Balkans and the Far East is designed as a smoke screen to convince the British that the invasion plans have been postponed.

MUCH DAMAGE AT BRINDISI NAVAL DOCKYARD ATTACKED Pres* Association— By Telegraph—Copyright CAIRO, November 7. (.Received November 8, at 1.5 p.m.) A communique states: The R.A.F. heavily raided military objectives at Brindisi, attacking the naval dockyard, dMtroyer and submarine pens, the main rail junction, and rail siding. Many bombs burst in the target area. A fire ■was started between the naval dockyard and the rail terminus, and' continued to burn steadily. Bombs exploding in the dockyard area set fire to a building beside the railway. ITALY'S NEW BATTLESHIPS MAY BE IN SERVICE ' LONDON, October 28. One conclusion that may be drawn from the attack on Greece (says the * Daily Express ’ naval correspondent) is that the Italian fleet has been reinforced by its two new 35,000-ton battleships, the Vittorio Veneto and the Littorio. Until these ships had been placed in service, he adds, no Italian Admiral would feel equal to facing the British Mediterranean Fleet. With them he might chauce an action. “ The new vessels each carry nine loin guns,” he continues, “ and each gun throws a 1,9501 b shell. The ships each do 30 knots. “ But the British Mediterranean Fleet has also been reinforced with what Mr Churchill has called some of our newest and most powerful units. “ This may mean that some of tho King George V, type of battleships have been sent to Alexandria. “ In that case the Italians would be outgunned in a ratio of 2,340 to 2,120. And the British guns are of a new model, with remarkable penetration of armour at long range. NEW ZEALAND'S MESSAGE GREECE'S APPRECIATION [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, November 7. The followng message has been received by the New Zealand Government from General Metasas, Prime Minister of Greece, in reply to Mr Fraser s message : “ On behalf of the Greek people, the Hellenic Government wishes to express to the Government and the people of New Zealand their warmest thanks for the cordial wishes, which strengthen us in our struggle. The sympathy and appreciation expressed in favour of our armed forces are most welcome, and more so as the bravery of the New Zealand Army is world-famous. We shall continue the fight to the end for the final victory of the high principles of morals, justice, and liberty.’!

ITALIANS CAUGHT NAPPING

IMPORTANT POST CAPTURED COUNTER-ATTACK FAILS (British Official Wireless.) Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, November 7. (Received November 8, at noon.) A British column, supported by R.A.F. units, surprised and captured the important post of Gallabat; taking a number of prisoners, according to an official Cairo communique dealing with operations in the Sudan. An enemy counter-attack, ‘which was followed by two heavy bombing attacks, was repulsed. A British mobile force is continuing to maintain pressure on an enemy detachment in the Jebel-Tenda-lai area. From the Egypt, Palestine, and Kenya areas there is nothing to report. INDIAN TROOPS TAKE PART (By' Radio.) DAVENTRY, November 8. In the recapture of Gallabat British and Indian troops took part in the attack, supported by aircraft, tanks, and artillery. The town was recaptured in three-quarters of an hour. It is reported that 17 Italian soldiers deserted during the fight.

NO AID FOR BRITAIN

EIRE'S UNCOMPROMISING STAND WEST COAST BASES OUT OF QUESTION LONDON, November 7. (Received November 8, at 11.16 a.m.) Mr de Valera, in a speech in the Dail, said: “ There is no question of handing over Eire’s west coast ports on any conditions so long as Eire is neutral, it is a lie to say that German or any other submarines are fuelling and provisioning at our ports. It is not only alie but the British Government knows it to be a lie. Any attempt to bring pressure on us by any belligerent, including Britain, would only lead to bloodshed. So long as this Government is in office we will defend our rights.” “ I don’t know whether the members of the Dail are prepared to take Mr Churchill’s references to Eirean ports as a symbol, per? haps a natural expression of regret, as I am prepared to do; or whether the speech portended something, more. Eire has wanted friendly relations with the people of Britain and also other peoples. I want to say to our people that we may but hope that they are not facing a grave crisis, but if they must face it, we know our cause is just and right, and if we must die, we shall be dying in a good cause. Thus far it has been definitely understood that we are free to use our territory unhindered. There has not been since the outbreak of war a single suggestion that we are not entitled to act as we have been acting and remain outside the war.” He added that all outstanding Anglo-Eirean differences had been cleared up, except partition. He was anxious for Eire to remain neutral. Anybody realising what modern war meant would understand what it meant for a country insufficiently defended from air , attack. The ‘ Daily Telegraph ’ says it is understood that the Government is giving careful attention to the question of temporarily leasing the principal air and naval bases in Eire. The question is very delicate because of Eire’s determination to do nothing likely to jeopardise its policy of strict neutrality.

ITALIAN PLANE SURRENDERS

EASY VICTIM FOR SKUAS LONDON, November 7. (Received November 8, at 11 a.m.) An Italian floatplane surrendered to Skuas of the Fleet Air Am in the Mediterranean. The leading Skua fired a few short bursts at extreme range, hoping for a showdown with the Italian, and the bullets struck home. The Italian dived and alighted on the sea. The pilot waved a white cloth, signifying surrender. AIR RAID ON MALTA (By Radio.) DAVENTRY, November 8. An enemy bomber approached Malta and was engaged by a British fighter. The enemy rear gunner was silenced, and the aircraft was probably damaged. SAFE CONDUCT REFUSED AMERICAN REPATRIATION SHIP GERMANY'S DECISION WASHINGTON, November 7. (Received November 8, at 11.30 a.m.) [t is announced that Germany refused to give a safe conduct guarantee for an American ship to go to the west coast of Ireland to repatriate American citizens still in Britain,