ISLAND OCCUPIED

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21336, 5 February 1941, Page 8

ISLAND OCCUPIED

SUCCESS OF BRITISH FRIGHTENED ITALIANS i SHIPS STAY IN PORT (United Press Assn.—E»ec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb, 5, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 4 It is unconfirmedly reported from Yugoslavia that the British have occupied Lagosta Island, dominating the Central Adriatic, where British and Greek submarines are preying on Italian supply ships. Many Italian freighters are reported to be seeking refuge in Yugoslav ports, the commanders refusing to come out unless a naval escort is provided-. Lagosta Island contains three harbours and an aerodrome. Fog and snow have reduced visibility to nil in the central sector near Tepelini, where the object of the Italian resistance appears simply to facilitate the movement of troops retiring from the Trebesina heights, running approximately ten miles north-westward from the TepeleniKlisura road, also withdrawal from the western defiles in the Klisura region. .Notwithstanding the bad visibility the Greeks penetrated the Italian lines, destroyed telephone cables, and brought back prisoners and machine-guns. Success of Greeks The Greek Press Ministry stated that, big fires at Tepeleni indicate that the Italians are destroying stores and preparing to evacuate. The successful action of the Greek forces is unabated, despite very bad weathe.*. In the coastal area bey end Himara the Greeks, after a determined assault, occupied a high mountain pass which the Italians had converted into a powerful stronghold. The Italians obviously intended to use the position as a base for mechanised counter-attacks, and even undertook considerable road building, but all their plans were upset. The Greeks used the enemy’s road to bring them closer to victory. The Greek artillery beyond Klisura are hammering at Italian positions, and fierce artillery exchanges are also proceeding in the Pogradec region. The Times’ Athens correspondent says the Italian counter-attacks henceforward are certain to encounter far greater difficulties, thanks to the big improvement in the Greek position’.

The enemy command used all available prestige to impress the troops with the importance of the recen? counter-attacks. Even Count Ciano, according to prisoners’ statements, assisted General Cavallero in arranging dispositions. It is revealed that two battalions of fanatical Blackshirts, who recently arrived from Italy, defended the Zog line of defences, which the Greeks penetrated, resulting in the capture of 800 prisoners.