Mussolini planned to concentrate Italian forces on a major offensive against the British Empire in Africa and the Middle East, known as the "parallel war", while expecting the collapse of the UK in the European theatre. The Italians invaded Egypt, British Somaliland and bombed Mandatory Palestine; the British government refused to accept proposals for a peace that would involve accepting Axis victories in Europe; plans for an invasion of the UK did not proceed and the war continued. Italy was defeated in East Africa; Italian advances in North Africa were successful, but the Italians stopped at Sidi Barrani waiting for logistic supplies to catch up. After the German army defeated Poland, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France, Mussolini decided to use Albania as a springboard to invade Greece. The Italians launched their attack on October 28, 1940, and at a meeting of the two fascist dictators in Florence, Mussolini stunned Hitler with his announcement of the Italian invasion. Mussolini counted on a quick victory, but the Greek army halted the Italian one in its tracks and soon advanced into Albania. The Greeks took Korçë and Gjirokastër, and threatened to drive the Italians from the port city of Vlorë.