International Brigade Causes Uneasiness

Evening Star, Issue 26153, 15 July 1947, Page 5

International Brigade Causes Uneasiness

A Greek Government communique issued in Athens says that Greek and Albanians entered Greek territory from Albania early yesterday morning, attacking in the direction of Konitsa. The invading force, about 1,000 strong, occupied Borozani bridge, near the Greek-Albanian, border, encircling Konitsa. The garrison inside Konitsa was resisting heroically. Other rebel contingents, including parts of an “ International Brigade.” are reported to be concentrating along the Albanian frontier. Army reinforcements have been sent by air to Konitsa, and the Greek Government has asked the United Nations Balkans Commission, now at Salonika, to make immediate inquiries on the spot. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ diplomatic correspondent says there are indications that the International Brigade, which is intended to fight with the guerrillas

in Greece, is largely trained and recruited in France, where the General Confederation of Labour is believed to be using “ recreation centres ” .as military schools. , It has been reported in Paris that Yugoslav ships have picked up volunteers from Cette, a Communist stronghold near Marseilles. There also appear to be main centres of enrolment in Milan and Bari. A message from London states that Reuter, quoting Belgrade, says the guerrillas have begun a' new offensive in the Fiorina area, about 50 miles north-east' of Konitsa,. The radio claimed that 11 big guerrilla units were fighting the Government forces in the strongest attack yet made by the “ Democratic Army.” It added that three important townships had been occupied.