Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIX, Eastern Europe; Eastern Mediterranean, 1969–1972

327. Information Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Sisco) to Secretary of State Rogers¹

Washington, November 12, 1971.

SALE OF F–4EʼS TO GREECE

On October 7, 1970, we informed the White House² that, consistent with the NATO commitments to modernize forces, State and Defense were agreeable to selling F–4E (Phantom) aircraft to Greece to replace obsolete aircraft and help Greece meet its NATO commitments. Mr. Packard officially informed the Greeks of this in a letter to the Commander-in-Chief of the Hellenic Armed Forces dated July 22, 1971.³ The Greek Air Force has now asked the Department of Defense for a letter of offer for 36 F–4ʼs (two squadrons) and indicated that the Greek Government desires to buy 36 more at a later date.

The Department of Defense is currently preparing the requested letter of offer. We believe, however, that the cost of the planes (approximately $90 million per squadron) will temper the Greek appetite and that the eventual sale will depend on our ability to provide substantial financing under our military assistance program for Greece.⁴

On October 22, the New York Times reported that the Vice President, responding to the press on board his aircraft in Greece, “dismissed as ‘fantasy’ an American press report that the Nixon Administration was preparing to provide Greece with Phantom jet aircraft.” However, the transcript of the actual exchange shows that the Vice President simply denied that he had reached an understanding with the Greeks on the acquisition of Phantoms.

The question of sale of Phantoms to Greece, although not officially confirmed, has been a matter of press attention. The Greek request for negotiations is certain to become public knowledge, and some press and Congressional elements will charge that our decision to sell is further evidence of United States support for the present Greek regime. These elements may also conclude that the Vice Presidentʼs recent visit to Greece figures in the decision to sell the planes to the Greeks.

We will respond to any criticism from the position that the sale of Phantom aircraft to Greece has been under routine consideration for some time as part of the NATO-supported effort to modernize the armed forces of Greece. The sale of Phantoms to Greece will allow Greece to replace obsolescent aircraft and to meet its NATO commitments more effectively.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 12–5 GREECE. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Robert Goold (NEA/GRK), Silva, and Davies; concurred in by PM, NEA, and S and by the Department of Defense. Rogers wrote the following note on the top of the first page next to Siscoʼs initials: “Please speak to me at your convenience on this. WPR.” Eliot also initialed the memorandum.
2. In a memorandum to Kissinger, attached but not printed.
3. A copy is in the Washington National Records Center, RG 330 OASD/ISA Files: FRC 330 75 157, GR–7, Greece.
4. In telegram 270 from Athens, January 17, 1972, the Embassy reported initial Greek shock at the costs of the purchase of F–4 aircraft. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 12–5 GREECE)