Greece - US Department of State
Greece - US Department of State
Greece - US Department of State
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<strong>Greece</strong> 623<br />
Secretary noted this request but made no commitment that it would<br />
be feasible to meet it. 3<br />
3 In an April 4 memorandum for the files, Brewster noted a “delicate matter” that<br />
the King raised with Rogers. The King expressed deep regret that he was not given a<br />
private audience with President Nixon, like all other heads <strong>of</strong> state at the Eisenhower<br />
funeral. Complicating the situation, Pattakos had a private meeting with the President.<br />
The King told Rogers <strong>of</strong> “the great psychological problems the Greeks were having these<br />
days, and the control being exercised by the Greek Government.” The King regretted<br />
that the Greek people would read significance into the President’s slight against him.<br />
(National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 15–1 GREECE)<br />
245. Memorandum <strong>of</strong> Conversation 1<br />
PARTICIPANTS<br />
Panayotis Pipinelis, Foreign Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Greece</strong><br />
Christian X. Palamas, Ambassador <strong>of</strong> <strong>Greece</strong><br />
Dr. Henry A. Kissinger<br />
Mr. Harold H. Saunders<br />
Washington, April 11, 1969.<br />
The conversation opened with a brief exchange <strong>of</strong> remarks on the<br />
Presient’s briefing <strong>of</strong> the morning’s NATO meeting. 2 That led to the<br />
Foreign Minister’s saying that <strong>Greece</strong> is fully prepared to accept its obligation<br />
in NATO regardless <strong>of</strong> what help it does or does not get from<br />
the others. Dr. Kissinger commended that position.<br />
The Foreign Minister felt that <strong>Greece</strong> is an important island <strong>of</strong> stability<br />
in the midst <strong>of</strong> serious change on either side. He said he is deeply<br />
concerned about the leftist movements in both Turkey and Italy. He<br />
felt that Italy is rapidly approaching the condition <strong>of</strong> <strong>Greece</strong> two or<br />
three years ago.<br />
1 Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 593,<br />
Country Files—Middle East, <strong>Greece</strong>, Vol. I Jan 69–Oct 70. Secret. The meeting took place<br />
in Kissinger’s <strong>of</strong>fice at the White House. Drafted by Saunders on April 22. Pipinelis was<br />
attending the NATO Ministerial meeting April 10–11.<br />
2 Apparent reference to President Nixon’s address to the NATO meeting April 10.<br />
For text, see Public Papers: Nixon, 1969, pp. 272–276. The President’s Daily Diary indicates<br />
he attended the NATO meeting from 2:06 to 2:50 p.m. and delivered remarks. (National<br />
Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Central Files)
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