Epirus Falls to Mussolini!

11 November 1939 - Italian forces invaded Greece nearly two weeks ago in an attempt to, "...end the bloodshed." Mussolini had announced the invasion October 30 when his forces entered Epirus from Albania. Though a disorganized drive, Greek Royalist forces proved unable to hold back Italian soldiers. The drive saw Koritsa fall November 3 and Metsovon occupied by November 6 all but surrounding Royalist rebels in the periphery. After several more days of battle, Royalist forces retreated southward surrendering control of Epirus to the Duce. Mussolini vows he will continue his assault on Royalist forces until they have been defeated in his drive to restore peace to Greece.

Meanwhile, Plastiras, leader of Greece's Liberal government, has asked Mussolini to withdraw his forces as Italian troops threaten to worsen conditions as they now stand. Privately, he has stated that this may be the beginning of a creeping takeover of Greece by Italy. Plastiras has gone on record telling Mussolini that if he truly wants to help the suffering people of Greece, he could do so by sending food and medical supplies as both have been in short supply. Mussolini has not yet replied.

There is a belief in many circles that Mussolini's assault may finally accomplish what four years of civil war has not: a unification of the country. With both Royalist and Liberal forces hating Italy more than one another, the possibility of a cease fire in the face of Italian aggression begins to seem a certainty.

SOURCE: LA Times