Greece - US Department of State

Greece 679
Tasca is to use that decision to seek Greek cooperation in improving
the atmosphere for that release. What the Greek government objects to
most is the idea of a conditional release, while they seem willing to be
cooperative.
Talking points. If this is an accurate statement of your views, then
Ambassador Tasca should understand the following:
1. You regard the release of suspended equipment as unconditional.
2. You hope your decision will provide the basis for cooperation
with the Greek government.
3. You hope one element in that cooperation might be improving—insofar
as possible—the atmosphere for the release. (This has
added importance in view of Greece’s recent resignation from the
Council of Europe.) 3
4. The main reason for your decision is the overriding interest the
US has in its military rights and installations in Greece.
3 See footnote 2, Document 264.
266. Letter From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for
International Security Affairs (Nutter) to the Assistant
Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs
(Sisco) 1
Washington, January 12, 1970.
Dear Joe:
Now that Ambassador Henry Tasca has arrived in Athens, 2 I consider
it appropriate that we initiate the necessary steps toward full
resumption of military assistance to Greece, so that we are prepared
for immediate supply of important items once the President sees the
Ambassador’s report on the Papadopoulos regime’s attitude toward
reform.
1 Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Subject Files:
FRC 330 73 A 1971, Greece 000.1, 1970. Secret; Eyes Only.
2 Tasca presented his credentials on January 15.