The message how “we are at a critical juncture where we will either support democracy or allow autocracy to prevail“, the US ambassador to Greece sent, George Tsunis speaking at an event held at the American embassy grounds for the 75th anniversary of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan. Against the background of the statue of George Marshall, which adorns the outdoor area of the embassy, George Tsounis observed that today the world is at a critical juncture like 1947, “in which ideals are challenged like never before, as Russia continues its brutal war against a sovereign European state.” In particular, he criticized the authoritarian forces and wondered if they succeed in Ukraine, which country is next?
In this context, the American ambassador suggested how “this is a time when we must stay united and that today solidarity is very important” and he said that “it is important today that Greece and the US show leadership, just as they did during World War II, and ensure that every Ukrainian returns to a state that is free, united, and Ukrainian.” He made special reference to the current role of Greece, stressing that it has shown tremendous leadership in Europe as an emerging energy hub and as a key supply hub for NATO.
The US Embassy in Greece is committed to ensuring that the two countries continue to work together
Furthermore, the American ambassador highlighted the special ties and friendship between Greece and the USA, sending the message that they continue from the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan and are becoming more and more powerful today. In fact, he emphasized that the US Embassy in Greece is committed to ensuring that the two countries they will continue to work together for regional stability.
Beginning his speech, the American ambassador underlined the importance of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, noting that Europe was resurrected and benefited from a hitherto unknown era of peace and prosperity. As he said, the foundations were laid for Europe’s post-war recovery, based on the principles of democracy, solidarity, economic development and respect for the rule of law, while recognizing the enormous strategic importance of the region for US national security, while at the same time confirming the special bond and friendship of the United States with Greece.
“Between 1947 and 1953, the United States gave 2 billion dollars to Greece, literally rebuilding Greece”
In particular, he described the situation in Europe, but especially in Greece immediately after the disastrous World War II, noting that the US felt the obligation to come from thousands of kilometers away and rebuild it. As he mentioned, the scale of the financial aid provided by the United States to Greece was unprecedented. “Between 1947 and 1953, the United States gave 2 billion dollars to Greece, literally rebuilding Greece. That’s the equivalent of $21 billion today. They gave 13 billion in aid to Europe. That’s more than $150 billion today. Greece received 2 billion which corresponds to 15% of the amount given to all of Europe. So imagine what a country of 6.3 million people got then and how important it was,” he noted.
The Marshall Plan
He added that the Marshall Plan came at a time when in Greece poverty was great, agricultural production had decreased by 70% and its industrial infrastructure had been decimated. Through the Marshall Plan, he pointed out, more than 6.5 million tons of food and supplies helped rescue the Greek people and they brought back hope in a very dark time. Millions of dollars in loans helped modernize production, equipment and factories and create new jobs, he added.
The event, which was attended as a representative of the President of the Parliament, MP Tasos Hatzivasiliou, Senator of Rhode Island and President of the World Inter-Parliamentary Union of Greece Lou Raptakis, representatives of AHEPA and the diaspora in the USA and Australia, as well as the American Legion, concluded with the laying of wreaths at Marshall’s statue.
Tasos Hatzivasiliou: The common values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law are at the core of the strategic cooperation between Greece and the USA
The importance of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan was underlined, for his part, by MP Tasos Hatzivasileiou, who represented the president of the House at the event. As he characteristically underlined, the Truman Doctrine guaranteed that Greece would remain on the right side of history and conveyed that it still remains, as its decision to stand by Ukraine against the Russian invasion is based on its long-standing principles and values.
He made special reference to the visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to the USA, sending the message:The shared values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law are at the core of the strategic cooperation between Greece and the USA. Our alliance is strong, productive and reliable. It is a collaboration that lasts over the centuries.”
Speaking about the Marshall Plan, he said that it changed the course of history in Greece and in Europe in general and emphasized: “It was the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic relations. And today, 75 years after George Marshall’s speech at Harvard University, it is as critical as ever to remember this historic moment when the United States assumed responsibility and an international role. It was a time when the world was facing enormous challenges and America’s intervention pulled Europe out of the abyss of post-war woes” said the secretary of the Standing Committee on National Defense and Foreign Affairs of the Parliament at the beginning of his greeting. Continuing on the same wavelength, Mr. Hatzivasiliou emphasized that the impact of the Marshall Plan was truly incalculable. He said the Plan committed more than 10% of the US federal budget at the time and amounted to nearly 3% of US gross GDP. He also pointed out that he came at a time when post-war Europe was facing great challenges. Poverty, hunger, hardship and damaged infrastructure were commonplace throughout Europe.
“Greece, a historical ally of the USA”
Further, he focused on the impact of the Marshall Plan on our country. “Greece, a historic ally of the US, benefited nearly $2 billion from this program. A huge amount for the time that was equivalent to 4 times the pre-war annual national income and was the highest amount received per capita of any other European beneficiary country,” he noted.
Describing Greece emerging from World War II, he said it had been severely affected by the devastating war. “Agricultural production had fallen by 70%, industrial infrastructure had suffered 80% losses, 25% of buildings were damaged or in ruins, roads were destroyed, 1 million people were homeless and the currency was severely devalued.” Citing the then US Secretary of State, George Marshall, this policy was directed “against hunger, poverty, despair and chaos”.
Also, Tassos Hatzivasileiou pointed out that the Truman Doctrine was vital for Greece to escape from the shadow of totalitarian communism. “Amidst the rise of communism and the Soviet Union’s efforts to intervene and bring under its influence European countries such as Greece, President Truman assured that the US would provide all assistance to all democratic nations. The plan prevented a regional domino, which would have changed Europe’s democratic heritage,” he said.
Finally, he expressed gratitude to the US for “difficult role” which they undertook “and generously contributed to the rescue of Europe at the time and ensured peace and prosperity for decades to come”.
Lou Raptakis: We are not going to stop building bridges between Greece and the US
The senator and president of the World Inter-Parliamentary Union of Greece, Lou Raptakis, highlighted the importance of the legacy left for Greek-American relations by the Truman Doctrine to continue even today. “Hellenism, the Greek spirit is in our hearts, that’s why we work so hard to build these bridges, whether it’s trade, education, defense, investment, and we’re not going to stop, that’s our message Lou Raptakis emphasized in his greeting for the 75th anniversary of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan.
Source: News Beast
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
