GREEKS CONFIDENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 December 1940, Page 5

GREEKS CONFIDENT

FATE OF THE ITALIANS IN ALBANIA

REGARDED AS SEALED. SIGNIFICANCE OF NAVAL DEVELOPMENTS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, December 21. An Athens broadcast last night, emphasising the importance of the entry of the British squadron into the Adriatic and the bombardment of Valona, added: “The fate of the Italian army in Albania is now sealed. It must either throw itself into the sea or surrender unconditionally.” A Greek communique reports that fresh positions have been occupied after successful battles, adding that a lieutenant-colonel was among the prisoners taken. A large quantity of war material was captured, Including two batteries of artillery. Extremely heavy fighting is reported from the coast north of Himara. The Greeks are reported to have made considerable progress beyond the Ostravitse Mountains and to have captured Gramshi.

Sofia reports that the Athens radio stated: “On the Kelcyra front the Italians have set fire to all their depots of supplies, which indicate their unstable situation in this town. In spite of the obstinate and strong resistance on the Pogradec (northern) front, our troops have captured a few heights of strategic importance.” Describing the relentless pressure of the Greek forces on the Italians in Albania, in spite of the weather difficulties, an agency correspondent with the Greek army writes: “After valiant efforts on the central front the Greeks have been successful in throwing 'a bridge across a river to enable their artillery to take up new positions and aid the troops to continue their advance. The enemy positions were occupied after a fierce attack by infantry, The Italians retreated in order, leaving the Greeks in control of the situation.

“The condition of the Italians captured shows the lamentable plight of the enemy troops due to intense cold and privations. There was a further fall of snow last night, but the Greek troops are able to withstand the weather well, while it is obvious that the fighting spirit of the Italians is considerably diminished. The contempt by the Greeks for the threat of the Italians was demonstrated on Thursday night when infantry lit large fires on the mountain-sides to warm themselves, and the Italians, who were only 400 yards away, made no attempt to interfere.”

Three more Italian planes have been destroyed in operations by the R.A.F. over Albania, the 8.8. C. reports. All the British planes and their crews returned safely.