IN ITALY

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1940, Page 6

IN ITALY

‘ ITALIAN CLAIMS. . EXCUSES MADE. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Dec. >3. The Rome Radio excuses the humiliation of the Italian aims by the tiny Greek nation by an official statement that Italy was not prepared for a large-scale invasion of Greece, in addition to which' Italy was greatly outnuinbered, while the rains came a fortnight earlier than was expected. It was wisely decided by tiie Italian High Command That its forces on the Greek frontier should retire in -face of the Greek numerical superiority, until such times as the Italian Army could be heavily reinforced. Tlie Greek offensive into Albania had now almost spent itself, and very soon Italian superiority in numbers and equipment would have to be faced by the Greeks. Italy, so tar, had only mobilised one million men of the ten million on which she could call. In Rome, official circles now agree , that Germany will not come to Italy'.' aid, bcccause Italy does not need Germany’s help and has never needed it. SUCCESSFUL COUNTER ATTACK LONDON, Dec. 2.

An Italian communique says: Violent enemy attacks on the Greek front were everywhere repelled. Our counter-attacks threw the enemV back to their starting lines', with heavy losses, particularly on the risd.it wing of the Ninth Italian Army. Colonel Trizzio, leading the doth Regiment, met an heroic death. LONDON. Dec. 3. Reports are current that the retreating mechanised Italian units a.v proceeding along the side of Lake Oehrida, north of Pogradetz, which lies at the south-western end of Lake Orehrida, through which the frontier with Jugoslavia passes. It is also reported that Italian infantry are proceeding west-nofth-wesf wards. It is suggested that the Italians intend to take up a new position on a Pne east of Elbasan, 20 hides north-west