Greece - US Department of State

684 Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, Volume XXIX
listen to “our great friend” on questions of internal political development
in Greece. He would gladly do so when possible, but GOG would
basically have to decide for itself how things progress. The Prime Minister
compared himself to man walking through a minefield. This minefield
was 1968 Constitution and steps toward its full implementation.
He was sure that I, as a former naval officer, 6 would appreciate that
plotting course through loaded mines required greatest of care and
caution.
7. In reply I said our common objective of friendly relations and
of maintaining a strong NATO could require our best efforts. I fully
understood that Greece would have to determine its own policies in
their national interest and my comments were made in the sense of
what related to our common interest. It seemed to me that our aims
could best be served by frequent and frank discussions. The Prime Minister
responded that he held identical views on this subject. He would
like to make it clear he available any hour of day or night for consultation.
He would provide me with number to private line on which he
might be reached at any time, and we would like to propose that I set
the date myself for another meeting which he hoped would take place
over dinner at his home. However, if this were in any way embarrassing
to me, his feelings would not be hurt if I wished to make other
arrangements. I said that I would be most pleased to accept his invitation
and I would call him within a few days to set an exact date.
8. I think initial frank, even blunt, exchange with Prime Minister
cleared air and meeting ended quite cordially. I see no reason why our
next meeting, which I am glad to see he wishes be on more informal
basis, should not begin come to grips with specific problems in Greek-
American relations.
9. Prime Minister raised specific problem regarding May Ministerial
meeting of NATO, which I will cover in separate message. 7
Tasca
6
Tasca served as a staff officer in the Mediterranean during World War II.
7
Telegram 325 from Athens, January 26. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files
1970–73, DEF 6 NATO)