STRATEGIC HEIGHTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24474, 6 December 1940, Page 7

STRATEGIC HEIGHTS

COMMANDED BY GREEKS ARGYROKASTRON DOOMED EARLY FALL EXPECTED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) { . , LONDON, Dec. 5. (Received Dec. 6, at 1 a.m.) . . After severe fighting during the past few days the Greeks everywhere command heights overlooking the enemy's positions, including heights dominating Permeti, the capture of which is expected at anv moment, says the Athens correspondent of The Times. The straightening out of the zigzag Greek line during the last few days will result in economy of men and an increase in the striking force of the Greek Army. The line wiU further be shortened when Santi Quaranta and Argyrokastron fall, which is expected. Important advances on the extreme right towards the interior also promise well for future operations. Although the capabilities of the enemy s forces must not be under-rated the Greeks generally are unshake'ably convinced that victory will be finally achieved.; The armys spirit is very high and troops who are marching back for a few declare 1 that they are willing to forego their, rest and •.carry on. Those going to'the front line cheer and sing. ITALIANS WITHDRAWING ON ALL FRONTS A Greek spokesman said that the Italians are withdrawing on ill. fronts and are evacuating Santi Quaranta, Argyrokastron and Permeti.' . • _ ' ■ ■■ ~••..•.' The Athens correspondent of the British United Press says that ' .Greek patrols to-night entered the outskirts of Santi Quaranta. The Greek War Ministry announced that the Greek troops achieved another notable success in the 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 500 prisoners, six guns, and abundant material. Our aircraft successfully bombed fixed and moving targets." The Greeks in the Argyrokastron sector crossed the Drohuli river nearthe village of Variiste Libohiva, about eight miles south-, westward of Argyrokastron. The Greeks in the central sector, are reported to have advanced along the northern road in the direction ofElbasan and occupied the villages of Khukus and Djura without having to fight. Between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. British planes heavily bombed the road from Lin to Elbasan. The Italians have been ~ unable to use the road.since Monday. . The value of the booty captured from the Italians ; is estimated at: £10,000,000. The small mortars captured are believed to be sufficient to equip the entire Greek. Arrny. SEVENTEEN ITALIAN PLANES SHOT DOWN • Notable successes are also reported to have been gained by the Allied Air Forces An Athens communique says that yesterday no •»!.'; iewer=than 1.7: Italian ;machines ■ were destroyed ui -the aur or on the ground. ; • . ;' : " ; .-■'*'■ The Moscow radio says that the Italians have, dug themselves in at severalpoints, and that as the weather is. improving operations on a larger scale should begin shortly. &■ A Turkish general has- expressed the belief that of the war is in the south, centred chiefly around Argyrokaßon, and that if the Italians are forced, to leave the country theif dream of excluding Britain from the Mediterranean will have melted on ther Albanian-'mountains. ' ; ' •• ; : '-•"