210. Editorial Note
On October 24, 1980, Greek officials informed the U.S. Embassy in Athens of their readiness to commence negotiations on a new Defense Cooperation Agreement. Ambassador Robert McCloskey reported in telegram 13098 from Athens, October 24, that “it has become increasingly evident over the past several weeks that the Greeks are doing their homework and gearing up for DCA discussions.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800511–0839) On October 29, McCloskey met with Deputy Secretary General of the Greek Foreign Ministry Stavros Roussos to discuss a draft of the Defense Cooperation Agreement. The Embassy relayed details of their conversation in telegram 13318 from Athens, October 30. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800511–0839) Roussos characterized the draft as “wanting,” suggesting that it failed to cover matters beyond immediate defense issues, such as defense industrial cooperation, and that any DCA must appear as a “good agreement” in the public’s perception, particularly with regard to how well it would safeguard the military balance between Greece and Turkey. Roussos said the current draft “cannot serve as a basis for speedy and thoughtful negotiation in its present form” and noted that the Ministry of Defense was preparing a counterdraft. McCloskey assured Roussos of U.S. flexibility. Negotiations continued on the DCA beyond President Carter’s term, culminating in a Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement, signed in Athens on September 8, 1983.