WAR IN GREECE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1940, Page 5

WAR IN GREECE

further SUCCESS

BRITISH AIRCRAFT ASSIST,

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

ATHENS, Dec. 5

The Greek War Ministry announced: “Greek troops achieved further notable successs in a sector northward of Permeti. Our artillery crushed stubborn enemy resistance. An enemy tank attack on either .side of the highway also {failed. We occupied Permeti, capturing over five hundred prisoners, six guns, and abundant material. Our aircraft successfully bombed fixed and moving targets. Greek troops in Argyrokastron sector crossed the Drolmli River neai the village of Vaniste Libohiva, about eight miles south-westward of Argyrokstron.”

Greek troops in the central sector are reported to have advanced along the northern road in the direction of Elba sail, and to have occupied the villages of Khukus and Djura without having to fight. Between two a.m. and nine a.m. British planes heavily bombed the road from Lin to Elba son. The Italians have been unable to use the road since Monday. The value of the booty so far captured from the Italians is estimated at ten millions sterling. Small mortars captured are believed sufficient to equip the entire Greek Army.

GREEK LINE STRAIGHTENED

LONDON, Dec. 4

“After severe fighting in the past few days, Greek forces everywhere command heights overlooking enemy positions, including heights dominating Permeti, the capture of which is momentarily expected,” says “The Times” Athens correspondent. “A straightening out of the zig-zag Greek line in the last few days will result in economy of men and increase the striking force of the Greek Army. The' line will further he -shortened when Saranda and Argyrokstron fall, which is expected. Important advances on the extreme right towards the interior also promise well for future operations. Although the enemy’s forces and capabilities must not be under-rated, Greeks generally are unshakeably convinced that victory will be finally achieved. The army’s spirit is very high. Troops marching back for a few days’ rest declare themselves willing to forego rest and carry on. Those going to the front line cheer and sing. A Greek spokesman said that Italians were withdrawing on all fronts, evacuating Saranda, Argyrokstron and Permeti.”

The British United Press Athens correspondent says: “Greek patrols tonight entered the outskirts of Saranda.” Air Commodore Dal.biac, who is commanding the R.A.F. in Greece, has been promoted to be Air Vice- Marshal.

ITALIANS DENOUNCED

ATHENS, Dec. 5

The whole Greek press is voicing fierce indignation over the bombing of Corfu, and atrocities of the Italian troops. One war correspondent says Greek soldiers entering elaborate enemy defence works, found girls carried off by Italian, officers from neighbouring villages sacrificed to a Fascist slogan of love and war.

GREEK RADIO REPORTS

LONDON, December 4

According to the Greek Radio the Italians were so frightened before embarkation that they were informed that they were going to Corfu, which they had been led to believe the Italian Navy had captured. Suddenly they found themselves in the midst of battle.

A captured Italian priest said: “The war was a thoughtless action by Mussolini. We see the result in our capture. The Pope ordered us to pray for peace. Unfortunately his advice was nob heeded. Our division embarked from Brindisi for Corfu. 1 do not know why we changed direction to Albania.” Italians of the 1922 class, comprising 150.000, have been called to the colours. In a, message to Greece, the Archbishop of Westminster (Cardinal Hinsley) referred to the bombing of Greek civilians, and said that nothing better could he expected of young men brought up on the doctrines of totalitarian paganism, lie found it hard to believe that the Italian people would lend themselves freely to cruel violence and injustice practised on the Greek nation.

v R.A.F. BOMBERS

MAKE SUCCESSFUL ATTACK

(Received this day at 9.45 a.m.) RUGBY, December 5. Successful attacks by R.A.F. bomber and lighter formations on Italian troops retreating in the TepeleneKelcyre area, yesterday, are described in an Air Ministry bulletin. One formation bombed the road junction and troop concentrations at Dekyre. Direct hits were registered on the road to Tepelene and Moral, and other bombs exploded among buildings. At Tepelene, the road and the bridge over the river were bombed. The bridge was observed later to be surrounded by dust and rubble as a result of the bombing.