Greece - US Department of State

I have just heard that Henry Kissinger telephoned you to report
that he has had a request to receive Andreas Papandreou. 2 I have
weighed all the pertinent factors and decided on balance not to receive
him.
Although I basically believe in maintaining an open-door policy
on receiving visitors, this case seemed very special. Mr. Papandreou
has attacked the U.S. role in Greece in public statements on a number
of occasions. He might exploit an appointment to bolster his standing
among potential Greek émigré leaders. He is a controversial person
who, as head of the Pan-Hellenic Liberation Movement, last year entered
into an agreement with a known Greek Communist, Mr. Brillakis.
We estimate the majority of Greek-American opinion in this country is
unsympathetic to Mr. Papandreou. The Greek regime at this point
would be very sensitive to any recognition given by the Department
or the White House to Mr. Papandreou.
I strongly believe that we should hold to the same line at State and
at the White House on this subject. I would appreciate it if you would
convey State’s position on this matter to Mr. Kissinger. 3
2 According to a May 8 memorandum from Saunders to Moose: “Larry Eagleburger
...requested ...[a] memorandum for the sole purpose of having the State Department
recommendation in the file here. HAK has already decided not to see Papandreou.”
(Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 593, Country Files—Middle East,
Greece, Vol. I Jan 69–Oct 70) A copy of the May 7 Department of State memorandum
recommending against a Papandreou meeting is ibid.
3 A handwritten notation by Sisco at the bottom of the memorandum reads: “John,
assuming Secretary agrees with my companion memo.” The May 2 memorandum to
Rogers outlined Sisco’s opposition to receiving Papandreou. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files
1967–69, POL 7 GREECE)
249. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National
Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon 1
SUBJECT
Military Sales to Greece
Greece 631
Washington, June 14, 1969.
1 Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 593,
Country Files—Middle East, Greece, Vol. I Jan 69–Oct 70. Secret. Sent for action. A notation
on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.