NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE record of the fighting in Albania during the last week has been one of continuous success for the Greeks, though the resistance has undoubtedly stiffened. Last week all along the front and especially in the north the Italian forces showed signs of real demoralisation, and it seemed possible that the defeat might turn into a rout. But the character of the country, hitherto unfavourable for the full use Of 'their superior equip- ment, hindered rapid pursuit. Reinforcements, some of them transported by air, were thrown into the fighting line, and rear- guards succeeded in slowing daivn the Greek advance while the main bodies made good their withdrawal. But the Greek pressure and the advance steadily continued, the R.A.F. render- ing great assistance by bombarding lines of communication as well as the base ports in Albania and Italy. Refraining from frontal attacks at the bottoms of narrow defiles the Greeks crept round the enemy on the mountain sides, ejecting them from one height after another, till finally the town of Pogradets became untenable and the Italians withdrew along the road towards Elbasan, leaving much material behind them. On all other sections of the front, too, the Greeks have been con- tinuing their enveloping tactics, and now command the heights north-west of Argyrokastro and are close to the port of Santi Quaranta, which may fall before these words are in print. If the Greeks can press on quickly in this coastal region and towards Tepelini they may succeed in outflanking the strong defensive lines which the Italians are supposed to be preparing from Elbasan to Berat and thence southwards.
