5000 PRISONERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23830, 4 December 1940, Page 9

5000 PRISONERS

GREAT GREEK VICTORY • NORTHERN FRONT PROGRESS NOW SLOWER LONDON, Dec. 2 The Greeks captured 5000 Italians on the northern front, states an agency message from Athens. The surrender is reported to have signalled the general retreat of other Italian forces in the same area, leaving a huge gap'in the Italian centie. The Greek military authorities forbid mention of the spot at which the Italian line is broken. The Exchange Telegraph Company s correspondent at Moskopolis says heavy snow and a gale have slowed down the Greek advance, hut the initiative is still in their hands. The latest victory has permitted the establishment of a .new line in the extreme north.

Disadvantage on Plains It is authoritatively stated in Lon- - don that further Greek advances must now be expected to be slower. The Greeks cannot he expected to sweep on relentlessly straight through Albania. If the Greeks advance further they will reach flat coastal plains, where the superior equipment of the Italians, particularly in tanks, would be more advantageous than in the mountains. The Greek pursuit prevents the Italians who have been driven from Pogradec from taking up new defence positions, and well-armed bands of Albanian rebels threaten them in the rear near Elbasan. These rebels are reported to be. commanded by a supporter of ex- / King Zog. .Reports reaching Belgrade from the frontier state that the Italian retreat is in progress in central Albania, which is knee-deep in snow The Italians are > heavily attacking from the air, while Greek cavalry is pushing on from Pogradec. " Great Strategic Gain The latest Greek communique states: "A considerable advance has been made all along the front. Positions of exceptional importance in the development of Operations have been captured." The capture of Pogradec is regarded by newspaper commentators as dealing a heavy blow tp Italy's strategic position and may have far-reaching consequences. Pogradec lies at the southwestern end of Lake Okrida. through the :rontier with Yugoslavia passes. Peporfs are current that retreating mechanised Italian units are proceeding along the side of the lake north of this small town, while infantry is proceeding west-north-west. It is suggested that the intention oi' the Italians is h> take up their new position on a line east of Elbasan, 20 miles northwest. ITALIAN VERSION defensive admitted ROME, Dec. 2 The Italian High Command admitted 011 Monday that Italian forces were on le defensive. The Greeks, in spite of counter-attacks by the Italians, are continuing to attack. The Italians are re sisting stubbornly... Italian , communique says: Violent enemy attacks on the Greek r ont were everywhere repelled. Our ; counter-attacks threw back the enemy 0 their starting lines, with heavy , °sses, particularly on the right wing s*th Italian Army. Colonel nzzio, leading the 47th Regiment, met aa heroic death."