I Was Sent to Athens

"I Was Sent to Athens" is a compelling firsthand account of one of the most significant humanitarian efforts of the early twentieth century. Written by Henry Morgenthau, who served as the chairman of the League of Nations Refugee Settlement Commission, this work chronicles the monumental task of resettling over a million Greek refugees following the 1922 catastrophe in Asia Minor and the subsequent population exchange between Greece and Turkey.

The narrative provides a detailed look at the diplomatic, logistical, and financial challenges involved in providing housing, land, and a future for a displaced population that increased the inhabitants of Greece by twenty-five percent almost overnight. Morgenthau explores the political landscape of the post-World War I era, the role of international cooperation, and the resilience of the Greek people as they sought to rebuild their society. Through insightful analysis and vivid descriptions of the conditions on the ground, "I Was Sent to Athens" stands as an essential historical document on international relief work and the complex geopolitical history of the Balkans and the Near East. It remains a vital resource for understanding the origins of modern Greece and the enduring impact of mass displacement.

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