338. Letter From the Ambassador to Greece (Tasca) to President Nixon 1

Dear Mr. President:

Under your inspiring leadership, we have clearly strengthened our bilateral security relations with Greece, as well as the integrity of the southern flank of NATO in the Eastern Mediterranean. At the same time, we have made unequivocally clear in every appropriate way our support for the return of Greece to some form of stable, democratic and representative government. I have traveled all over Greece and from innumerable contacts, I have been deeply impressed by the strong bonds of friendship which exist between our two countries. Incidentally, I have also been struck with the high quality and impressive leadership of the Greek Orthodox Church as a vital element in this friendship. Our present posture in Greece is such that whatever changes might occur in the internal political picture, there are no likely developments, in my view, which would jeopardize our vital interests in this country.

Tom Pappas, my dear friend, thought I should write to you regarding plans for the future. He has talked, I believe, to both you and John Mitchell on this subject. The last time I saw you, in the summer of 1971, you indicated you had another post in mind for me.2

Tom and John Mitchell both have indicated you would probably send me to Rome after my service here. If this should materialize, I would be pleased to undertake this assignment because I believe Italyʼs internal political problem is desperate, and also because it could affect Vatican attitudes, particularly through the Italian clergy, which in turn can influence internal developments in many Catholic countries.

I have been pleased to have had the opportunity to explain why the Nixon policy towards Greece was and remains the only valid approach to our relations with this country. As Tom knows, I should be happy to be helpful in any other way to you during the period ahead, particularly in explaining our completely valid policies in the Eastern Mediterranean.

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I would not want to end this message without a word about the wonderfully humane and understanding way in which Tom Pappas has contributed, at times with real personal sacrifice, in maintaining and strengthening the strong ties of friendship between the Greek and American peoples.

With warmest personal best wishes.

Sincerely,

Henry
  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 594, Country Files—Middle East, Greece, Vol. III Jan 72–Oct 73. No classification marking. Tasca sent a more detailed letter to Kissinger, outlining his qualifications for a posting in Rome, Paris, or Bonn. (Ibid.) In a backchannel message to Tasca, Kissinger acknowledged receipt of the two letters and stated that he had “put them in the right hands.” (Ibid.)
  2. See Document 320.