740.5/7–2950: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Minor) to the Secretary of State
324. I wish draw Department’s attention General Jenkins’ top secret message L–612, July 26 to JCS.1 Although I cannot, of course, speak with authority on purely military aspects question raised his telegram, I wish associate myself with fundamental recommendation contained therein that our military policy here be thoroughly and carefully restudied in light considerations raised by Jenkins. This connection I should state my conviction Greeks have proved on battlefield to be first-class fighters for cause of freedom and their record in past two world wars is incomparably better than that many larger nations including some of those with whom we are now allied in NAT.
Despite our clearly-stated and reiterated refusal sponsor or support inclusion Greece in NAT or similar purely Mediterranean arrangement, our policy toward Greece since 1947 and particularly some Greek interpretations thereof (see e.g. Embtel 309, July 27)2 have committed us deeply in moral sense to defense Greece against external aggression. However, our deliberate imprecision on this vital point enables informed Greek argue US considers Greece indefensible and expendable. This argument swells ranks of opportunists and defeatists at time when our policy here as throughout world engaged encouraging public as well as officials adopt uncompromising fighting attitude toward communism.
There is, of course, absolutely no question our certain and sure allies here from Pajagoso [Papagos?]3 on down would welcome enthusiastically any more formal and concrete indication US determination aid Greece against external aggression. An alteration US policy this direction would also facilitate Greek-Turkish military understanding. We are, of course, not in position here judge whether Russian real or alleged fears encirclement would thereby be increased to more dangerous proportions or whether other disadvantages make adoption of General Jenkins’ recommendations impracticable.
[Page 162]If, however, generally favorable decision is reached these recommendations, it might be appropriate US advocate extending NAT include Greece and Turkey. If this not possible, I would like suggest Department to consider advisability US proposing that Greece and Turkey be invited participate in meetings members Mediterranean section NAT. This partial step it seems to me might be undertaken without encountering kind of opposition from other NAT countries that might be expected to full membership NAT for Greece and Turkey. Locally particularly with military circles this partial measure would be almost as efficacious as full membership NAT always providing the military means were made available complement increased US commitment implied thereby.