[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 29, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H9724-H9727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN SUPPORT OF OXI DAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Blunt). Under the Speaker's announced
policy of January 7, 1997, the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Pappas]
is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
General Leave
Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and to include extraneous material on the subject of my special order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate Oxi Day which symbolizes
the absolute refusal of the Greek people to succumb to Mussolini's
Fascist Italy during World War II.
In August 1940, Mussolini accused Greece of supporting Britain and
demanded that she renounce the agreement of neutrality with the Allies.
In that same month, the Greek Naval Cruiser Elli visited the island of
Tinos during its highest religious holiday, paying a visit to the
famous holy shrine there. In a sneak attack, the Italians torpedoed and
sank the ship in the harbor. Mussolini also massed more than 150,000
troops on the Albanian border, and the Greek government was only able
to place about half that number of its own ready to oppose them. In
that tense condition on October 28, 1940, at the undignified hour of 3
a.m., the Italian Ambassador delivered an ultimatum from Mussolini to
the Greek government set to expire at 6 a.m. that very same day. The
Greek Prime Minister's response was oxi, which means ``no'' in Greek.
The Italian army was well supplied, fully equipped and supported by
state-of-the-art air and naval power. They, the Italians, were expected
to overrun the Greeks within a short time. Yet before its expiration
and without waiting for an official reply, Italian troops invaded
Greece across the Albanian border.
Mussolini had expected an easy victory. His troops had penetrated
less than 20 miles into Greek territory against light resistance when
the
[[Page H9725]]
Greeks counterattacked. In spite of the cold and snow in that
mountainous region, by the end of 1940 and early 1941, the Greeks had
fought their way into Albania and by March, about one-third of Albania
was in Greek hands. Hitler did not wait for the outcome. In mid-
December 1940, he issued a directive launching Operation Mantra to mass
German divisions in pro-Axis Romania and then move across the territory
of another partner and into Greece if necessary.
The Greek army now had to face the powerful German war machine which
was relentless. By the end of April 1941, Greece fell, and the Greek
government fled to the island of Crete.
Crete became the next target for the Germans. While this large Greek
island was difficult to assault, its strategic position in the
Mediterranean made this action necessary. The two poorly equipped Greek
divisions were reinforced by British troops. Germany attacked with an
awesome force of 600 aircraft and 20,000 crack parachutists and glider
borne troops. By the end of May, the Germans were victorious but had
lost 7,000 of their men in their fierce fighting against a loss of
about 3,000 British and Greek soldiers. Several thousand Cretan
civilians were killed in the fighting and reprisals by the Germans on a
determined and courageous population defending their homeland was what
could follow.
But the real loss to Germany was time. The Greek invasion had used up
nearly 2 precious months during which time Hitler's Operation
Barbarossa, the attack on Russia, was delayed. The troops ran into the
dreadful Russian winter at the end of the year before they could win
their hard-fought campaign, resulting in appalling losses and
contributing to the ultimate defeat of Germany.
Greece suffered a great famine in 1941 and 1942, under harsh
conditions brought about by the combined German, Italian and Bulgarian
occupation. It is estimated that more than 300,000 Greeks died of
famine. Resistance by Greek partisans also cost thousands of civilian
lives in hostile actions and reprisals.
{time} 2230
The attack by Mussolini's Italy against Greece on October 28, 1940,
was the result of the imperialist and expansionist tendencies of
Mussolini's fascist regime. The motives were strategic as well as
political. Mussolini's ambition was by invading the strategically-
located Greece and the Aegean Islands, especially Crete, to balance the
German initiative. Until that move, the Italian initiative was almost
nonexistent. Mussolini needed a victory desperately in order to share
power with Hitler, who seemed to be the sole and uncontested leader of
the Axis alliance.
Although Greece could have remained neutral or simply opened the
borders and allowed the Axis forces to march in, instead she chose to
stand up and fight by defending the ideals of democracy, freedom and
dignity.
The Greek Army fought an enemy which was superior in numbers, arms
and technology. The Greek Army was superior though in spirit,
enthusiasm and determination. With the full support of the Greek
people, the Greek Army performed one of the most unexpected miracles of
modern military history by beating one of the best-equipped and trained
armies of that time, Italy.
The heroism of the Greek people, up against unbelievable odds, was
the first glimmer of hope for freedom-loving people for the Allies.
Americans of Greek descent, in fact, all Americans, can take pride in
the sacrifice made by Greek people 57 years and one day ago. While they
were defending their country, in reality they helped save Europe and
the rest of the free world.
What I have said is fact, not fable. I believe it is important to
speak about this because Greece's actions show the world that Greece is
an ally that can be counted on through thick and thin, is an ally that
fights for principle, no matter what the odds.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I find it ironic that we are discussing the
importance of Oxi Day to the free world when we have two brutal leaders
who reject democracy visiting our country. The Premier of China will
get a 21-gun salute and be welcomed with open arms by some, despite the
well-documented human rights violations, religious persecution, and
economic sabotage of the Chinese Government. Moreover, the leader of
the invaded area of Northern Cyprus will be in Washington in a
desperate attempt to try to find legitimacy to an illegal government
created by illegal occupation.
I hope the lessons of Oxi Day and fighting for what is right and
standing up to aggressive dictators will not be lost by the world
community as these dictators visit our Nation's Capital.
Mr. Speaker, I see that I am joined by my colleague, the gentleman
from New Jersey [Mr. Pallone], and would like to yield to him.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I just
want to thank my colleague from New Jersey [Mr. Pappas] for organizing
this special order tonight. I was not here when the gentleman began, so
I do not want to repeat what he has already said. But I did want to say
that I am proud to join with the gentleman in paying tribute to this
great moment in the history of the 20th century, which receives far too
little recognition in many of our history texts about World War II.
Throughout history, the Greek people have been champions of freedom
and self-determination, and their heroic actions against the forces of
Hitler and Mussolini were instrumental in defeating fascism in the 20th
Century. I am sure the gentleman mentioned about how when Greece
entered the war on the side of the Allies when the country was invaded
by Mussolini's forces, that exactly 57 years ago today on the morning
of October 28, 1940, the Italian Minister in Athens presented an
ultimatum to Greek Minister Metaxas demanding unconditional surrender.
The Prime Minister response to this unacceptable demand was as simple
as it was eloquent, ``Oxi,'', or Greek for ``No.'' The Prime Minister
and the King both went on the radio that morning to rally the Nation,
and a general mobilization was declared.
Mussolini's forces invaded Greece on that fateful day, but there was
a very spirited resistance from the Greek people, and then the Greek
Army actually launched a counteroffensive, driving the invaders back
into Albania. Of course, Hitler's forces eventually came into the war
and subdued Greece, but not without significant resistance. In May of
1941, when the Nazis launched an airborne invasion on the Island of
Crete on a scale unprecedented in history, the Germans again had to
fight a very significant resistance, probably one of the greatest
resistances in the whole history of World War II.
I just wanted to say, if I could, to my colleague and to those who
are listening this evening, that the heroism with which the Greek
people fought essentially delayed Hitler's planned invasion of Russia
by about three months, and essentially made it possible ultimately for
the Allies to win the war, and made it more difficult for Germany to
expand the areas that it sought to conquer.
The Greek resistance movement also continued for four years during
the war, and they suffered horrendously for their resistance. The
Germans executed thousands of civilians and randomly decimated entire
towns, villages and communities. I know that in my district, in Asbury
Park, a few years ago I went to a commemoration, I do not remember the
details, but a commemoration of one of the smaller towns in Greece that
was just totally annihilated, every man, woman and child was killed.
I think we have to resolve that to ensure that the Greeks who fought
this resistance movement did not suffer in vain. It is important for us
to bring it to the attention of our colleagues and to the American
people that we never forget the role the people of Greece played in
defeating fascism, and that is why I am very proud this evening to be
joining with my colleague from New Jersey in this special order.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with the gentleman from New Jersey
[Mr. Pappas] and my other colleagues this evening in paying tribute to
a great moment in the history of the 20th century which receives far
too little recognition in many of our history texts about World War II.
Throughout history, the Greek people have been champions of freedom and
self-determination. Their heroic actions against the forces of Hitler
and Mussolini were instrumental in defeating fascism in the 20th
century.
On October 28, 1940, Greece entered the war on the side of the Allies
when the country
[[Page H9726]]
was invaded by Mussolini's forces, as part of an attempt by the Axis
powers to seal off the Balkans from the south in support of Hitler's
invasion of Russia. Exactly 57 years ago today, on the morning of
October 28, 1940, the Italian Minister in Athens presented an ultimatum
to Greek Prime Minister Metaxas demanding unconditional surrender. The
prime minister's response to this unacceptable demand was as simple as
it was eloquent: ``Oxi,'' Greek for ``No.'' The Prime Minister and the
King both went on the radio that morning to rally the nation, and a
general mobilization was declared.
Mussolini's forces invaded Greece on that fateful day. Despite their
technological superiority, the Fascist invaders faced spirited
resistance from the Greeks. On November 14, the Greek Army launched a
counter-offensive, driving the invaders back into Albania. In February
1941, the Italian Army launched further attacks, but tough resistance
and a harsh winter nullified many of these efforts; a second Italian
offensive in March of '41 similarly met with strong Greek opposition.
Finally, the Nazi German war machine was mobilized in an effort to rout
the Greek opposition, both on the mainland area of Greece and on the
island of Crete--in an effort to fulfill Hitler's ominous promise to
``make a clean sweep in the Balkans.''
It took Hitler's forces some five weeks, until the end of April, to
subdue Greece. In May of 1941 the Nazis launched an airborne invasion
of Crete on a scale unprecedented in history. With lightning speed, the
Germans dropped some 20,000 troops on the island by air; in addition,
the Germans and Italians launched a land invasion, sending troops by
sea from the occupied Greek mainland. The ensuing battle put up by the
people of Crete and other Allied forces against the superior Nazi war
machine was one of the most significant of World War II. And though the
Germans won the battle and took the island, they did so at the highest
possible cost--they would eventually lose the war. Karl Student, the
Nazi General in charge of the invasion, called the battle ``the
fiercest struggle any German formation had ever had to face . . .'' The
German High Command would never again attempt an operation of that
size.
The heroism with which the Greek people fought delayed Hitler's
planned invasion of Russia by three months. There were heavy losses on
both sides. Strengthened by the knowledge that they were defending a
concept--democracy--that had originated from their homeland, Greek
civilians, including women, children and the elderly, joined the battle
against the Fascists, suffering terrible losses, but also inflicting
serious damage on their enemies. The Greek resistance movement for the
remaining four years of the war zealously fought the occupying Nazi
force. They suffered horrendously for their resistance; the Germans
executed thousands of civilians and randomly decimated entire towns,
villages and communities. Let us resolve, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that
they did not suffer in vein.
We here in Congress should do our best to ensure our citizens never
forget the role the people of Greece played in defeating fascism.
Indeed, we honor ourselves by honoring not only a Prime Minister, but
an entire people who dared to say ``Oxi,'' ``No,'' in the face of a
seemingly overwhelming enemy.
Mr. PAPPAS. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey and appreciate his
support for these important issues.
Mr. Speaker, we in our country are very fortunate to live in a
country that is free, and special orders such as this are certainly
significant to what our country was founded upon. I also view this as
an educational process for those that may be viewing this around the
country, even around the world, that can learn a little bit about the
significance of October 28, 1940.
Mr. Speaker, 54 years before Oxi Day, October 28th in 1886, the
Statue of Liberty was dedicated. I would just like to quote a saying, a
phrase or a series of words that are associated with the Statue of
Liberty which I think are appropriate to reiterate here as we
commemorate Oxi Day. ``Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled
masses, yearning to breathe free; the wretched refuse of your teaming
shore; send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift up my
lamp beside the golden door.''
Mr. Speaker, we as citizens of this wonderful country owe a great
deal, I believe, to the Greek people. Certainly freedom and democracy
around the world owe so much to the Greek people who said ``Oxi,'' who
said ``No,'' on October 28, 1940.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to join my friend and
colleague from New Jersey, Congressman Mike Pappas, to commemorate
``oxi'' day. The historical significance of this day and what it meant
to the outcome of World War II cannot be overstated.
By October 1940, World War II had begun, and the Nazi war machine was
already in high gear. Along with Hitler's ally Mussolini, the German
and Italian forces were threatening the whole of Europe. European
nations were bowing to tyranny and destruction as the Germans and the
Italians marched through Europe.
Great Britain endured Germany's aerial bombardment, forcing Hitler to
seek another avenue to subdue the British. Hitler intended to eliminate
British operations in the Mediterranean in order to weaken their
ability to deter German advances.
To achieve this, Hitler needed the axis powers to strike at British
forces from Greece. By conquering Greece, Hitler would gain access to
an important connecting link with Italian bases in the Dodecanese (Do-
de-ca-nese) Islands. This would give the Italians a strangle hold on
British positions in Egypt, where British forces were already facing
attack from the Italian Army in North Africa. The British considered
the defense of Egypt vital to allied positions in the oil rich Middle
East.
On October 28, 1940, the Italian minister in Athens presented an
ultimatum to Greek Prime Minister Metaxas (Me-ta-ksas), demanding the
unconditional surrender of Greece. Prime Minister Metaxas (Me-ta-ksas)
responded with the now historic word ``oxi,'' which means no in Greek.
His statement embodied the true spirit of the Greek people. His words
of defiance echoed the same devotion and love of country that Greek
patriots exhibited during their war of independence against the Ottoman
Empire when they shouted the defiant words ``Liberty or Death.''
Prime Minister Metaxas' (Me-ta-ksas) actions marked the beginning of
one of the world's most heroic efforts against tyranny and oppression.
After its ultimatum was rejected, it took Italy less than 3 hours to
invade Greece.
It is important to note that the population of Greece at the time was
only 7 million. On the other hand, Italy's population was 43 million.
In addition, the Italian Army had the advantage in military strength
and technology
However, despite their lack of equipment, the Greek army proved to be
well-trained and resourceful. Within a week of the invasion, it was
clear that Italian forces had suffered a serious set-back, despite
having control of the air and fielding superior armored vehicles.
On November 14, the Greek army launched a counter-offensive and
quickly drove the Italian forces back into Albania. By December 9, the
Greeks had captured the town of Pogradec (Po-gra-des) in eastern
Albania. However, a lack of supplies and difficult terrain stalled the
Greek march through Albania.
By February 1941, the Italians had launched strong counter-attacks.
However, the determination of the Greek army, coupled with the severity
of the winter weather, blocked Italy's advances.
In an effort to bring the war to a close before Hitler would
intervene, the Italians launched another assault on March 12, 1941.
After 6 days of fighting, the Italians had made only insignificant
gains, and it became clear that German intervention was necessary.
On April 6, 1941, Hitler ordered the German invasion of Greece. It
took the Germans 5 weeks to finally end the conflict.
This delay proved to be critical to the outcome of the war. Italy's
inability to capture Greece enabled the British to win major victories
against Mussolini's forces in North Africa. This solidified British
positions in the region as well as Cyprus. In addition, it contributed
to the failure of the German campaign to conquer Russia.
Perhaps most importantly, the Germans never gained the advantage
against the British. Although Germany had conquered much of Europe, its
inability to decimate British and Russian forces early in the war would
eventually prove to be fatal.
Mr. Speaker, ``OXI'' day is a day that marks defiance against
tyranny. As an American of Greek descent and as a lover of freedom, I
am proud to honor the memory of those brave patriots who fought for
freedom on this important day.
Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate one of the most
pivotal events during world War II, Oxi Day. In addition, I thank my
colleague, Congressman Michael Pappas, for arranging this Special Order
to remember this important day.
On October 28, 1940, the Prime Minister of Greece refused to agree
with the ultimatum presented to him by the Italian Minister in Athens
for the surrender of Greece by stating ``OXI'', meaning ``NO'' in
Greek. Thereby, resisting and hindering Hitler's plan to invade Russia.
[[Page H9727]]
By rejecting this ultimatum, Greece proved its courage, strength, an
dedication to preserving democracy. Winston Churchill said it best:
``Don't say that Greeks fight like heroes, say that heroes fight like
Greeks.'' The soldiers and statesmen of this great land not only helped
Greece and Europe free themselves from the shackles of the swastika,
but their actions ensured that the future of democracy and freedom
would continue to be strong and grow throughout the world.
Greece is one of only three nations in the world that has allied with
the United States in every major international conflict this century.
The actions that the Greeks took against the Axis powers, and communist
rebels during and after World War II, cost many lives. However, Greece
prevailed and emerged as the strong and victorious democracy it is
today.
Mr. Speaker, Greeks from around the world are proud of the actions
taken by their home country during World War II. I commend those who
struggled, fought, sacrificed and lost their lives in the fight to
restore and preserve the liberty and democracy Greeks and Greek-
Americans enjoy today.
As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I will
continue to work to ensure that the people of Greece continue to enjoy
the freedoms they have today and will continue to work with my
colleagues to bring justice to the people of Cyprus. The human rights
abuses taking place on this island go against everything the soldiers
and leaders of Greece fought so hard to save and preserve on October
28th, 1940.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the valiant
Greek resistance against the Axis powers during World War II. Greece
was the last stronghold in Continental Europe to fall to the Axis.
Today marks the anniversary of the Greek refusal of Mussolini's
ultimatum to surrender to Italian forces. On October 28, 1940, the
Greek government issued a resounding ``OXI,'' (NO) to the Italian
Fascists. A month after the invasion began, the last Italian soldier
was driven from Greek soil and the Greek army was fighting Italian
Fascist forces in Albania.
The rout of Mussolini's forces in Albania required Hitler to divert
valuable troops and arms to invade Greece in April 1941. Nazi forces
faced fierce resistance in Crete and Macedonia. The Greek campaign
delayed the planned invasion of the Soviet Union by several critical
weeks.
The Germans were never able to occupy more than two-thirds of Greece.
The Greek national resistance continued fighting in the rugged mountain
terrain. Greek civilians and clergy sought to protect Greek Jews from
the occupying forces at great personal risk.
Hitler diverted 50 battalions from the Eastern front and North Africa
to Greece. In 1943, the Nazis were distracted into believing that the
main Allied assault would occur in the Balkans, thereby enabling the
Sicilian invasion. Greek Army units in exile also played an important
role in the Allied campaign in North Africa.
Mr. Speaker, the resounding ``No'' Greece sent Mussolini 57 years ago
marked the beginning of the valiant Greek resistance to invasion and
occupation during World War II. Greece proved itself a faithful ally
throughout the war effort with heroism and self sacrifice and at great
cost in human lives and suffering.
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