Greece tells Germany they owe £203bn for Nazi occupation after finding 'stunning evidence'

Defence Minister Panos Kammenos says Greece has obtained US military records showing the extent of the damage to private and public property caused by Adolf Hitler's fascist army during its occupation.

"There is stunning evidence - detailing what happened in every village and in every town," he said.

"The evidence is so compelling that it will lead to the reopening of cases, even those that have already gone to court."

The shocking claims are likely to add to tension between Germany and Greece - currently led by the left-wing Syriza party - over the latter's difficulty in meeting bail-out payments. 

The new Greek government is also under pressure from Germany, a key creditor of the debt owed by the financially-crippled country, to agree cost-cutting reforms.

During the Second World War, the Nazis occupied Greece for three years, resulting in tens of thousands of people dying of starvation. 

There was also random executions in response to uprisings and freedom fighting.

During the fascist army's retreat they also destroyed vital infrastructure.

On Sunday, Greece's Deputy Finance Minister Dimitris Mardas revealed the huge claims, totalling around £203billion.

However, German officials have always maintained the country has settled its occupation debt in post-war agreements.

Sigmar Gabriel, Germany's economy minister, accused the left-wing government of attempting to use the Nazi occupation issue to influence debt negotiations.

"To be honest I think it's dumb," Gabriel said. "I think that it doesn't move us forward one millimetre on the question of stabilising Greece."

He said the 1990 treaty on German sovereignty ended the debate about any damages payment. However, he admitted there was still guilt over the issue.

"Germany will have to keep facing the question again and again of whether what it did after 1945 was enough, or whether it still bears some responsibility today," he said.

Earlier today, International Monetary Fund boss Christine Lagarde welcomed news Greece was planning to make a loan repayment later this week.