EFFECT OF GREEK SUCCESS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21820, 25 November 1940, Page 5

EFFECT OF GREEK SUCCESS

Advance On Nile May Be Halted High Praise From Press By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received November 24, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 23. The Cairo correspondent of the “Daily Express’’ says the Greek advance has resulted in a tremendous flare up of enthusiasm in Cairo and the big Arab cities. Crowds in the Cairo theatres last night cheered themselves hoarse when news reels showed Greek troops. The newspaper “Albalagh” asserts that Italy has diverted from the Egyptian theatre of war for which reason it is most unlikely that Marshal Graziani will attack toward the Nile this winter. Other commentators for the first time emphasise that a population of more than 60,000,000, embracing Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Palestine and Yugoslavia is opposing the Axis thrust to the Mediterranean. King Farouk engaged in a series of conferences with members of the Cabinet on the attitude to Italy in view of the bombing of Egyptian civilians. British Admiration Admiration for the Greek forces in their achievement of taking Koritza is expressed through the entire British press. The “Daily Telegraph” says: “To the Greeks, whose valour has so signally punished the insolent aggressor, is due the cordial congratulations of the entire non-Axis world.” A formal British tribute is paid in a letter by the British Minister in Greece (Sir C. Palairet) to General Metaxas: “I cannot let this happy day pass without expressing to you my joy and congratulations at the outstanding news of the occupation of Koritza, a town of the first importance which, since the outbreak of hostilities, has been snatched from the enemy. It is indeed a triumph of which the brave Greek army must be justly proud. This heroic exploit of the Greek armies will have a repercussion throughout the entire world. I am proud to have the privilege of representing my country at this period in Greece which is going forward with rapid strides and bearing high the banner of liberty. I wish to assure you of my feelings of cordial admiration and friendship." General Metaxas replied: “I am sure that with the aid so highly prized by the Greek nation of the Ally you so worthily represent, our army will march by the side of yours from triumph to triumph to final victory.” P.M.’s Message General Metaxas, in a broadcast, said: “The Greeks hate Mussolini because he desired to enslave Greece, because he made Greece’s extermination Italy’s war aim. We assure Mussolini that we are determined not to be exterminated but to continue to live as a free and independent nation. We are fighting not only for our country but also for other Balkan States anv for the liberation of Albania. We will be victorious together with our British Allies whom I thank for their wholehearted aid, especially from their naval and air exploits. Thank God Greece is the champion of the cause of freedom and liberty. It is fully recognised in London that the Greek struggle will be long and hard as General Metaxas pointed out in his broadcast. The “News Chronicle” emphasises that it would be a great mistake to suppose with this victory the Italian menace in Greece is disposed of. There are abundant signs that the Greek nation, heartened by this success, is likely to be even more grimly determined after hearing the account of the behaviour of the retreating Italian troops.