Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan: Book presentation at the U.S. Capitol

The “Documentary History of Greece (1943-1951): Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan,”  a newly published book by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was presented at the U.S. Capitol on March 6, at a special event organized by the American Hellenic Institute and the Embassy of Greece.  Edited and presented by Ms. Photini Tomai, Director of the Service of Diplomatic and Historical Archives of the Greek Foreign Ministry, the book is a compilation of archival documents on American aid to Greece after World War II, highlighting the longstanding friendship and strong relations between the U.S. and Greece.The presentation also coincides with the 65th anniversary of the announcement of the Truman Doctrine. The event was attended by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Co-Chair of the Hellenic Caucus, and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, who noted the importance of the strong relations and friendship that exists between the two allies, Greece and the U.S.

Ambassador of Greece, Mr. Vassilis Kaskarelis made the following remarks:

Dear Friends,

Thank you for joining us today.  Allow me to express my gratitude to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House Mrs. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and the Co-Chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Congressman Gus Bilirakis, two true and tried friends of Greece, and champions of the rule of law and justice regarding the national issues of Greece and Cyprus. Thank you also to the American Hellenic Institute and its President, Mr. Nick Larigakis, for this initiative.  

Studies such as the one presented today, a Documentary History of Greece (1943-1951 - Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan, ably put together by the experienced writer and researcher Photini Tomai, Director of the Foreign Ministry’s Historical Archives, are very important in that they do not allow us to forget history. They remind us of the long-standing bonds of friendship between Greece and the United States, between Europe and the United States.

Europe and the United States are each other’s natural partners. The transatlantic relationship, that is the relationship between the European Union and the United States, has no parallel in depth and range with any other geopolitical relationship. Not only are economies deeply interdependent, but more importantly, we share a similar world vision; we share the same values: belief in freedom, democracy and the rule of law, human rights, and prosperity.  These values, along with the recognition that our fates are intertwined and interconnected, make the EU and the U.S. natural allies when it comes to confronting global challenges.

Such was the case with World War II that devastated Europe.  Greece’s losses during this time were profound. The country’s entire infrastructure was destroyed; famine, massacres and battle decimated the Greek population; literally, Greece lost more than 10% of its population, including the greatest part of its thriving Jewish community.  The heroic stance of the Greeks on the Albanian front was decisive for the outcome of WWII, and led to the following words being heard at the 1945 Nuremburg Trials:

“If the Greeks had not resisted and had given in to the Italians, then the chain of events that led to the ultimate downfall of the Axis powers would have been radically different”.

It was this same heroic stance that led WINSTON CHURCHILL TO SAY:

Until now, we knew that Greeks were fighting like heroes; from now on we shall say that the heroes fight like Greeks.”

And yet, to read the press today, one would think they were not talking about these same Greek people.

Greece is, indeed, facing a crisis today, though of a different nature, of course.  And yes, we bear responsibility for a good part of our troubles.  But rest assured that these same heroic qualities of the Greek people will pull us through once again. Their determination and sacrifice, along with the continued support and know-how of the EU, Greece is rising to the occasion and will ultimately emerge stronger and better for it, as its long history attests.

And as you will see throughout this edition - the Documentary History of Greece (1943-1951Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan – prepared by Photini Tomai, the support of friends and allies makes all the difference in bringing about sustainable changes.  I hope you will take the time to study it, as it is a valuable tool not only for researchers and students of history, but also for the legislators in this grand democratic institution, as they are called upon to make decisions as to how they deal with the rest of the world.  

Thank you all very much and I wish you the best.”

Documentary History of Greece - Truman Doctrine and Marhall Plan - Book Cover