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Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1940, Page 4

'l'llK dramatic story of tlit- niso by which Italy presented its ultimatum to the Greek Premier revealed a tricky process, in keeping with the dishonourable act threatened. Fortunately, General Metaxas was equal to the

occasion, and a glance at the exacting document satisfied Greece was on the brink of war. The messenger attempted to frighten the Premier with a story of the great strength Italy had at hand to strike within three hours if Greece would not yield. But General Metaxas was not Mo be frightened, and slamming the door in tho Italian’s face, no doubt set his defences in motion without loss of time. The story bears out the expectations that Greece would agree to a ready acceptance of the demands, and permit Italian forces to secure important points. The records since show also how greatly they underestimated tho military strength and genius of the Greeks, who by their stand and subsequent advance, certainly changed the whole complexion of affairs in tho Balkans, and the sturdy Greeks have shown Jugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, that might is not right always, and presenting a determined face to the enemy, has resulted in what looks like a general rout. The Italians have suffered very heavy losses, and their prestige as a fighting unit is now well dimmed. Their air force has attempted to do its worst, but at a great cost in machines and personnel. The much vaunted Navy is generally in hiding, and on the few occasions it ventures out, hastens home at the first sight of British forces. The value of the Greek effort at this stage of the war has been undoubted. It has halted the eastern drive, and with the fresh trouble in Roumania, there are further delays. What Gerixianv may do with the forces assembling there remains to be seen, but at least the Greeks have had a moral victory of great value, and given Britain time to strengthen its eastern position while also helping its new ally. The overrunning of Albania will be a blow to Italy, and it will take another war to retrieve it if Italy is so inclined.