TANK GUNS ROAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21582, 8 December 1944, Page 5

TANK GUNS ROAR

Troops in action E.L.A.S. STRONGHOLD CRITICAL ATHENS DAYS (10 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 7. “The deafening roll of shellfire echoed over Athens throughout the night, as Sherman tanks under a mile from the city continued to fire their 1 5 m.m. guns in the direction of the E.L.A.S. stronghold near the Stad.um,” reports Reuter’s Athens correspondent. “The incessant crackle of automatic arms, with the whistle of snipers’ bullets, added a sharper undertone to the heavier weapons. “The tank firing became heavier shortly before dawn. The capital A'as again lit up last night by parachute flares, and R.A.F. Spitfires and Beaufighters this morning resumed die air assault against E.L.A.S. nests of resistance.” The Bntsih United Press’ correspondent in Athens says: “British .roops, supported by armoured cars, mring the night occupied me aciupolis Hill against light E.L.A.S. opposition. Brmsh-controiied forces control over one-quarter of the city. About 2000 armed E.L.A.S. troops are now estimated to be inside Athens. Their scattered fire from windows and roof-tops makes it dangerous for Allied troops to travel except by armoured cars.” Big Bag of E.L.A.S. Prisoners The Greek Government has an nounced that 3000 E.L.A.S. members cave been taken prisoner. The British United Press Athens correspondent says that British casualties nave been few and E.L.A.S. casualties considerably higher, but if is impossible .to obtain a definite figure. Spitfires yesterday carried out six strafing attacks against the E.L.A.S. forces after the E.L.A.S. men had refused to cancel their march through the capital. The attacks were made in the vicinity of Arditos Hill. One of the biggest ground clashes occurred at the foot of the Acropolis, and E.L.A.S. troops are reported to have fled up the slopes of the hil ~o the Parthenon. British tanks and armoured cars sprayed the hillside after the Greeks had fired on British troops moving to the Acropolis. The Times’ Athens correspondent says: “This is horrible warfare, be■ause it is mainly occurring between the British and their Greek friends Sniping from the roof-tops is causing the majority of the casualties. Loathtome as it is to all Englishmen, the strong action now being taken probably has saved greater bloodshed The E.L.A.S. troops clearly intended to occupy all the police stations and Government buildings. Had they done ‘his, it would have been immeasur ably more difficult to restore order “One disgraceful feature of the war at present raging is the activity of Right-Wing elements like the notorious “X” organisation, which the Leftists have always accused of col’aborating with the Germans. The?' Rightists are prominently wearing ;Tr.ion Jacks. They are looting, and ;n the guise of helping the British mey are paying off old scores.” Confidence in the speedy restoration of order in Athens was expressed V M. Papandreou in an interview with the British United Press corres nondent in the city. M. Papandreov Maimed that the present disorders were the result of a plan laid dowr ’ong ago by the extreme Leftists which proclaimed that the E.L.A.S troops were an independent army This army revolted against the State and began occupying police stations and gradually advancing towards the centre of the capital. Only then did f he Government, in agreement with General Scobie, decide to defend pub’ic order and the liberties of the people. “The present struggle is particularly painful to me, but the responsibility lies absolutely with the organisers of this coup d’etat,” he added.