IN ALBANIA

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1940, Page 5

IN ALBANIA

GREEK PROGRESS ON WHOLE FRONT. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, December 9. The Greek advance has been contiiG tied on all fronts. Greeks advancing up th l? coast have reached a point twelve miles from Miinara. The Athens correspondent of tlio British Associated Press says: ; 1 lie entire Italian light wing, behind Saraanda, lias been put to flight. The Greeks have captured a series of strate-gically-important peaks in the northern, sector. The Greeks have thus far occupied one quarter of the entire Albanian territory. “Christmas in Tirana” is the new war cry of the Greek advance guard, which is methodically pursuing remnants of retreating Italians. While Greek troops are strongly garrisoning Argyrokastron. police are restoring civilian life to normal. It is reported, from Athens, that disorders have been provoked by nonFascist elements in Italy, and continue and that many anti-Fascists have been executed. “The Times” says: “The Greeks have taken prisoner‘"about two thousand fire hundred Italians in the last five days. These are not sufficient to betoken an Italian rout, but considerable quantifies of stores also have apparently been captured. Greek forces now control the whole length of the lateral Korca-Sar-anda road, which should be valuable in their operations to capture heights around Moscopolye, and bring them within comparatively easy distance of Herat. If Herat were captured. Valona would be likel.V to share the fate ofSaranda.” The “Daily Mail’s’’ Athens correspondent says: “An absence of lighttanks robbed Greek strategy and bravery of a full triumph at Argyrokastron. Similarly, at Korea, tlio same shortage is handicapping an advance of the Greek right wing beyond Pogradec. Huge fires broke out in Lin last night, where Italians are believed to be burning stupes.” GREEKS GAIN IN THE NORTH. LONDON, December 9. The Greek night communique at Athens on Monday was very short, viz. : “Fighting lias continued successfully during the day. TVe have advanced further.” ATHENS, Dooojmber 10. Amplifying the curt Greek communique cabled earlier, an official spokesman said that the entire right wing of the Italians behind Argyrokastron and Saranda had hastily been withdrawing since noon on Sunday. The Greeks had several now victories, and they captured a whole series of strategically important peaks in the northern sector.