WAR IN GREECE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1940, Page 5

WAR IN GREECE

U.S.A. SUPPORT

PROMISED BY PRESIDENT.

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) WASHINGTON, Dec. 7. President Roosevelt, exchanging telegrams with the Greek King, pledged the United States to support “a country which is valiantly defending itself.” He said: It is the United States’ settled policy to extend aid to those Governments and peoples defending themselves against aggression.” King George of Greece replied expressing appreciation of “this warm sympathy and keen interest on the part of your great nation.” HOW GREEKS CONFUSED ENEMY NLONDON, Dec. 7. Greek forces are thrusting north as well as north-west from Saranda (Santi Quaranta), and occupy heights three to four thousand feet high west of Argyrokstron. Indeed, this Greek salient is now revealed as responsible for the fall of Saranda, after a most daring Greek manoeuvre', which confined the enemy retreat to a difficult coastal road to Himara. Bitter rearguard actions delayed the fall of the port for three days. An Italian destroyer and two freighters entered the port at noon on Wednesday, and took on the Italian Headquarters Staff, but R.A.F. planes sank the destroyer, and forced the freighters to flee to the roads at Port Palermo, which is choked with fleeing troops. The latest advances give tlie Greeks command of Ostrovitse Massif, also Hamna Massif on the north bank of the Dcvoli River which, together dominate the Devoli Valley road from Korea to Elbasaii. Those advances arc beginning to threaten an oilfield -between Devoli and Shkumba (otherwise Shkumbi), which is Italy’s only source of natural oil.

Material captured from the Italians is estimated to exceed two and a half millions sterling. So many motor yhehieles were abadoned in perfect condition that there is likely soon to be a shortage of Greek drivers.

BRITAIN AND TURKEY,

ISTANBUL, Doc. 7

Jt is reported that Anglo-Turkish and Empire-Turkish trade expansion is expected to result from the financial agreement. Turkey is seeking Empire cotton, jute, steel and wool. Anglo-Turkish contracts will shortly he signed, including 22 locomotive 650 waggons. It has been agreed that where tvvo markets are available, preference shall go to the Empire.

AIR LOSSES COMPARED

(British Officiul Wireless.)

RUGBY, Dec. 7

The balance-sheet of the ItalianB'ritish air war to date shows that while the Royal Air Force has lost no machines, the two occasions on which Italian raiders visited Britain, the Italians lost thirteen out of twenty-five in November 11 ; and seven out of twenty on November 23, apart from others known to have been severely damaged and probably lost. Over Africa and Albania Italy has lost at least 309 planes since entering the war, and British losses have been 49 over Africa, and six over Albania. The figures do not include the Fleet Air Arm successes and losses.

TO MEET HITLER

LONDON, Dec. 7

The Romo Radio has reported that the Yugoslav Foreign Minister, M. Cincarmarcovic, is going to Berlin shortly to meet Herr Hitler and Von Ribbentrop.

BADOGLIO’S RESIGNATION

MUSSOLINI'S PRESTIGE

(Received this day at 10.50 a.m.) LONDON, December 8.

The “Times” says there is no reason to doubt that Marshal Badoglio considered be could no longer bold the position. A Rome report states Mussolini bad many stormy meetings with the High Command. Farin'acei sharply criticised the whole General Staff and blamed them for defeats, while the generals blamed politicians for the ill-conceived and ill-timed ultimatum .

The loss of Marshal Badoglio is bound to bewilder, if not depress, the Italian people, who held him in high respect. Mussolini’s prestige is now more than ever bound up in the Greek war. It would bo a confession of subject failure to accept German help at this stage.