Greece - US Department of State
Greece - US Department of State
Greece - US Department of State
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<strong>Greece</strong> 673<br />
democratic reform and a relationship with civilian political leaders that<br />
would maintain a bridge to possible future governments.<br />
6. The Under Secretaries Committee assure the coordinated execution<br />
<strong>of</strong> this policy.<br />
263. Memorandum <strong>of</strong> Conversation 1<br />
SUBJECT<br />
Presentation <strong>of</strong> Credentials by Greek Ambassador<br />
PARTICIPANTS<br />
The President<br />
Ambassador Emil Mosbacher, Chief <strong>of</strong> Protocol<br />
Rodger P. Davies, Deputy Assistant Secretary, NEA<br />
H.E. Basil Vitsaxis, Ambassador <strong>of</strong> <strong>Greece</strong><br />
Henry A. Kissinger<br />
Washington, November 18, 1969.<br />
The President welcomed Ambassador Vitsaxis and noted American<br />
admiration for <strong>Greece</strong> as well as real concern over certain internal<br />
problems. The President noted that he had visited <strong>Greece</strong> three times,<br />
most recently in 1967, and was aware <strong>of</strong> the antecedents <strong>of</strong> the present<br />
situation. The United <strong>State</strong>s could not involve itself in Greek internal<br />
affairs; it was with Greek international relations and our own bilateral<br />
relations that we were properly concerned. If <strong>Greece</strong> could solve<br />
some <strong>of</strong> its internal problems, then it would be possible for us to have<br />
more complete relations. The President noted that Ambassador Vitsaxis<br />
had made an effective presentation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Greece</strong>’s case before the Council<br />
<strong>of</strong> Europe and he knew how well qualified the Ambassador was to<br />
represent his country in Washington.<br />
1 Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 17 GREECE–<strong>US</strong>.<br />
Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Davies. A notation on the memorandum reads: “Approved by<br />
WH/Kissinger per David White to HBrown 1/16/70.” In a November 26 memorandum<br />
attached to a copy <strong>of</strong> this memorandum, Saunders, recommending clearance, wrote:<br />
“Neither HAK nor I was present, so we have to take Rodger’s word for it.” Saunders<br />
continued: “The President’s crack at the press on p. 2 is the only questionable statement<br />
as far as distribution is concerned. But since the <strong>Department</strong> has this already, I think<br />
Secret/NODIS is probably tolerable.” (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box<br />
1235 Saunders Chronological Files, <strong>Greece</strong>, 10/1/69–12/31/69.
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