868.00/11–2149: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece 1
2027. [Here follows a one-paragraph summary of the conversation of November 18 between Assistant Secretary of State McGhee and Greek Deputy Prime Minister Venizelos, reported upon in McGhee’s memorandum of conversation, supra.]
At the same time Dendramis called on Hare to ascertain Dept’s further views re Grk proposal for eastern defense pact embracing Greece, Turkey and perhaps eventually Yugo. Hare replied Dept’s position, as explained by Secy to Tsaldaris Oct 28,2 was unchanged, namely that US cld not consider extending present commitments until West Eur members North Atlantic Pact able contribute substantially to west Eur defense. Added Dept wld consider any approach to Yugos on mil defense Pact entirely premature, but wld welcome prelim Grk-Yugo rapprochement. Said Dept cld not oppose direct Grk-Turk negots and desired neither encourage or discourage purely local Grk-Turk Pact although psychological benefits Greece of such Pact might be offset by other disadvantages. In response Dendramis’ [Page 461] request for continuing gestures of US support Greece such as visits by US and North Atlantic mil leaders, Hare agreed some gestures desirable but pointed out we must avoid provoking USSR or appearance of promising Grks more than we can deliver. Hare ended conversation by strong plea for internal clemency Greece, especially urging executions shld not be resumed on previous scale fol termination GA.