Greece - US Department of State

716 Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, Volume XXIX
281. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of
State 1
Athens, June 12, 1970, 1608Z.
3034. Subject: Meeting with Prime Minister Papadopoulos.
1. I met with Prime Minister Papadopoulos today accompanied
by Admiral Richardson, 2 whom PM expressed desire to see. The PM
expressed his fears regarding Soviet intentions in Eastern Mediterranean,
particularly possible effort on part of Soviets to open up Suez
by driving Israelis back from Canal. PM also said that in his view major
target of Soviets in this decade is Africa, particularly North Africa.
PM was also concerned that in face of rising Soviet threat cohesiveness
of Alliance shows signs of serious weakness as reflected in political attacks
on NATO member Greece inspired ultimately by political warfare
tactics of Soviets, as well as in increasing weaknesses of military
contribution to common defense on northern flank. PM said in reply
to Admiral Richardson’s expression of appreciation for facilities
granted US Navy in Crete that there was no need to mention or even
thank Greece for these facilities now. Our interests were common and
it was in Greek interest to make these facilities available.
2. In reply we stressed importance of Greek contribution within a
strong alliance, whose cohesiveness is indispensable to NATO strength.
PM countered by saying that cohesiveness was important but could be
purchased at disastrous price if prerequisite for Scandinavians of bringing
back Papandreou were to be fulfilled, a possibility which he completely
excluded. PM asked where would cohesiveness principle be for
Scandinavians if US were to request NATO assistance in extreme contingency
arising out of Middle East conflict.
3. I told PM I might be leaving for US in next several days on consultation.
He said he would never again raise question of US military
assistance because he questioned seriously whether US had the capacity
to overcome resistance to aid to Greece, such a denial of aid being
a high priority Soviet political warfare objective against the US. Greece
would be faithful to the alliance but it would buy to the extent necessary
the arms it needed to defend the country against communism,
however costly these might be.
1 Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 593,
Country Files, Middle East, Greece, Vol. I. Secret; Exdis. Another copy is ibid., RG 59,
Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 GREECE.
2 Admiral David C. Richardson, Commander of the Sixth Fleet.