322. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State0
699. Paris for USRO, Stoessel and McGuire. Rome for Rood. Main Greek effort in connection Stikker visit1 was to emphasize crucial nature Greek need for continuing external aid order support its military effort. Pointed to low per capita income, import-export imbalance. Estimated aid of $35 million more aid required annually beyond present levels.
Greeks pushed idea of NATO multilateral special fund to make up deficiencies national military budgets. Stikker responded cautiously. Foreign Office NATO Director reports Averoff intends approach Secretary in Paris to solicit his support multilateral fund idea, and that Averoff will push for it at NATO meeting.
Airgram follows.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 375/12–261. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Paris Topol, Rome, and Ankara.↩
- NATO Secretary General Dirk Stikker visited Athens December 2 for discussions relating to NATO’s scheduled spring Ministerial Meeting. During his visit, the Greek Government outlined its case for further military aid. The Embassy reported on the Stikker visit in airgram A–296, December 2. (Ibid.)↩