767.68/4–548: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
415. 1. In connection Grk-Turk talks now being held Athens Grk Amb April 5 showed Dept proposed text preamble joint Grk-Turk declaration. If Dept approved this statement Grk Govt hoped we would indicate to Turk Govt that US favored declaration along lines-indicated at this time.
2. Proposed preamble refers to consolidation of peace in Near East and to agreement that Greece and Turkey should act jointly to bring about closer collaboration among countries in Near East area. After stating that support this plan by “great democracies of West and especially Great Brit and US” is of primary importance, declaration continues that “parties concerned” will be approached without delay. General principles of collaboration will be submitted to Arab League with purpose seeking adherents its members “as soon as support of US and Great Brit is secured”.
3. Grk Amb was reminded that during his talk with Dept on Mar 26 it had been indicated to him that in opinion of Dept a public expression of mutual cooperation and solidarity by countries in eastern Mediterranean might be helpful in present international situation. The character of moves in this direction would be for countries concerned [Page 71] to determine and Dept does not wish to take initiative in this matter. Advance approval by Dept of such statement as proposed might imply US guarantee of Grk and Turk territorial integrity. Such guarantee would require high level decisions by all branches US Govt. However Amb could assure Grk Govt that we continue to regard security of eastern Mediterranean and Middle East as of vital importance to US security.
4. Several changes were informally suggested in wording proposed preamble1 which Grk Amb said he would cable Grk Govt. If such changes are made, preamble would read somewhat as follows:
[Here follows the proposed preamble.]
5. In discussion with Grk and Turk officials you may state that a rapprochement between countries of eastern Mediterranean and Middle East which would bring about closer peaceful collaboration and which would contribute to security of area would be welcomed by Dept as beneficial development.
Sent Athens 415 and Ankara 164. Rptd London 1173; Paris 1093; Moscow 368.
- Mr. Henderson’s proposed changes embraced primarily “the removal of particular reference to Great Britain and the United States” (memorandum of conversation by Mr. Baxter, 767.08/4–548).↩