681.82/12–1550: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (Peurifoy) to the Secretary of State
1932. Tomap. Re Embtels 1836 and 1844 December 8.1 Venizelos reported to Embassy officer results of conversations Kitrilakis2 with Turkish C-in-C3 and other military leaders concerning closer military [Page 440] cooperation between two countries, as follows: emphasized warm reception by Turks, their willingness to discuss military state of preparedness, planning, exchange of intelligence, and inter-relationship of military with political leadership in Turkey. Turks seemingly have less influence in direction and control of country’s affairs than exists in Greece. Kitrilakis favorably impressed with Turkey’s military leadership and manner in which known Communists are kept out of public office and military ranks. On military cooperation Turks unwilling to enter into bilateral agreement, insist on being included in regional security arrangement guaranteeing western allies military support in event of aggression against them. Turks expressed appreciation and gratitude for US military assistance. However, felt need for further assurances of increased military aid. Turks indicated interest in resuming military discussions in Greece in event undertaking on government to government level produces more formal security commitment with western allies.
Embassy fully aware question of Turkey’s membership in NATO decided for present by NAC in extending Greece-Turkey invitations to be associated with appropriate phases of NATO planning for Mediterranean.4 We hope, however, character of this association, or alternative security arrangements for Greece and Turkey, can be reviewed at frequent intervals. Nature of Turkish response to current Greek proposal emphasizes well-recognized fact that essential Greek-Turkish coordination in preparation for either satellite or Soviet aggression can be obtained only within framework of broader security arrangement.
Would appreciate any instructions from Department including recommendations from Ankara, concerning possibilities of further negotiations along lines already taken or appropriate alternatives.
Sent Department 1932, repeated info Ankara 36.
- Neither printed.↩
- Lt. Gen. Stylianos Kitrilakis, Deputy Chief of the Greek National Defense General Staff.↩
- Gen. Nuri Yamut, Chief of the Turkish General Staff.↩
- For documentation on the association of Greece and Turkey with North Atlantic Treaty Organization planning for the Mediterranean area, see vol. iii, pp. 1 ff.↩