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

330. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union¹

Washington, February 11, 1972, 1839Z.

24396. Subject: Soviet Démarche on Home Porting in Greece.

1. Soviet Ambassador Dobrynin called on Secretary February 10 and gave him following oral statement:²

“The Soviet Government deems it necessary to address the U.S. Government in connection with its intentions to establish bases for the U.S. 6th fleet on the territory of Greece.

“Realization of such intentions would have serious consequences both militarily and politically. It would in fact constitute a step toward increasing tension in Europe, a step contrary to the trends which have appeared there of late.

“All this can hardly be reconciled with the statements by the U.S. Government about its favorable attitude to détente in Europe, as well as with those beginnings in Soviet-American relations which have recently appeared.

“Such actions on the part of the United States cannot but cause, of course, a corresponding reaction on our part, the more so that the matter entails establishment of new U.S. naval bases in immediate proximity to the borders of the Soviet Union and of other socialist countries. It should be clear to the U.S. Government that on questions concerning security of the Soviet Union we have the right to count on the same behaviour of the United States which the American side expects from the Soviet side.”

2. Comment will follow.³

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 15 GREECE–US. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by John Matlock (EUR/SOV) on February 10 and 11; cleared by Rodger Davies, PM, and S/S; and approved by R.T. Davies (EUR). Repeated to Athens and USNATO.
2. In telegram 25138 to Moscow, February 11, the Department reported that Dobrynin had simply handed the text of his proposed oral statement to the Secretary without comment. However, he had returned the following day to meet with Hillenbrand and stressed the seriousness with which his government viewed the move. Hillenbrandʼs reply underlined the morale factors involved in homeporting. (Ibid.)
3. Telegram 26653 to Moscow, February 13, instructed the Embassy to deliver a written reply to the Soviet démarche following up on Hillenbrandʼs informal reply. (Ibid.)