Greece - US Department of State

Greece 827
330. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in
the Soviet Union 1
Washington, February 11, 1972, 1839Z.
24396. Subject: Soviet Démarche on Home Porting in Greece.
1. Soviet Ambassador Dobrynin called on Secretary February 10
and gave him following oral statement: 2
“The Soviet Government deems it necessary to address the U.S.
Government in connection with its intentions to establish bases for the
U.S. 6th fleet on the territory of Greece.
“Realization of such intentions would have serious consequences
both militarily and politically. It would in fact constitute a step toward
increasing tension in Europe, a step contrary to the trends which have
appeared there of late.
“All this can hardly be reconciled with the statements by the U.S.
Government about its favorable attitude to détente in Europe, as well
as with those beginnings in Soviet-American relations which have recently
appeared.
“Such actions on the part of the United States cannot but cause, of
course, a corresponding reaction on our part, the more so that the matter
entails establishment of new U.S. naval bases in immediate proximity
to the borders of the Soviet Union and of other socialist countries.
It should be clear to the U.S. Government that on questions
concerning security of the Soviet Union we have the right to count on
the same behaviour of the United States which the American side expects
from the Soviet side.”
2. Comment will follow. 3
1 Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 15 GREECE–US. Secret;
Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by John Matlock (EUR/SOV) on February 10 and 11;
cleared by Rodger Davies, PM, and S/S; and approved by R.T. Davies (EUR). Repeated
to Athens and USNATO.
2 In telegram 25138 to Moscow, February 11, the Department reported that Dobrynin
had simply handed the text of his proposed oral statement to the Secretary without
comment. However, he had returned the following day to meet with Hillenbrand
and stressed the seriousness with which his government viewed the move. Hillenbrand’s
reply underlined the morale factors involved in homeporting. (Ibid.)
3 Telegram 26653 to Moscow, February 13, instructed the Embassy to deliver a written
reply to the Soviet démarche following up on Hillenbrand’s informal reply. (Ibid.)