"Well, we are at war"
This was the historic phrase spoken by the head of the Greek Government, Ioannis Metaxas, when he received the ultimatum from Italy in the early hours of October 28, 1940. In this ultimatum, Italy requested the free passage of its army and the conquest our country.
On the same day the Greek people were informed of the ultimatum and General Conscription was declared. King George II and Ioannis Metaxas announced Italy's aggressive intentions and the Greek people rose to the occasion, overflowing with pride and pouring out into the streets, overcoming all fear.
That big "OXI" (ochi, meaning no) of the fighters stands as a bright example even today and will continue to shine for generations to come!
The Front Pages of the Newspapers
The newspapers of the time, the most important means of information for the citizens, captured from the first moment the rapid events of the war and political events. Announcements, important decisions, developments at the front and rousing slogans filled the leaflets every day. Below, we've compiled the front pages of major and minor newspapers as published on October 28 and 29, 1940.
ΝΕΑ ΕΛΛΑΣ: “Greece is at war with Italy since yesterday morning”
ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΑ: “Greece is on the verge of war. Our heroic and glorious troops are staunchly defending the motherland. The race was located on the border”
ΘΕΣΣΑΛΙΑ: “Since 6 am yesterday, Greece is in a state of war. The proud Greek response to the Italian challenge”
Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ: “Greece has been at war with Italy since yesterday”
ΤΗΛΕΓΡΑΦΟΣ: “The position of Greece. There was a meeting between Greek and Italian border officers, but news was sought”
ΑΣΥΡΜΑΤΟΣ: “Greeks in arms! Hostilities came today”
ΘΑΡΡΟΣ: “Since yesterday the Greek troops have been fighting heroically against the Italians. All the military forces of our Nation were already mobilized. Greece, fighting for altars and hearths, sets a wonderful example.”
ΕΘΝΟΣ : “For altars and hearths”
Η Βραδυνή : “GO PEOPLE OF GREECE”
ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΟΣ: “Since yesterday morning, Greece has been at war after Italy. The Greek troops fight erratically, pinning the enemy at the border.”
ΡΙΖΟΣΠΑΣΤΗΣ: “The "NO" of the Greek people”
