254. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon1
Washington, September 24, 1969.
SUBJECT
- Message from King Constantine
Tom Evans in the attached memo has passed on to you a message from King Constantine.2 The King requests that the newly appointed Ambassador to Greece3 stop off for a chat with the King on his way through Rome. Constantine argues that this would not upset the Military Government in Athens because the Ambassador will be presenting his credentials to a Regent who is the Kingʼs representative in Athens. (Tab A)
I will take no action unless you disagree.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 593, Country Files, Middle East—Greece, Vol. I Jan 69–Oct 70. Confidential. Sent for information. Drafted by Saunders on September 23. A notation on the memorandum indicates it was returned on October 6. In a note attached to Saundersʼs copy of this memorandum, Haig commented: “HAK—This looks like more dynamite. I suspect we should thank this fellow and tell him to let it drop.” Kissinger minuted: “I agree. HK” (Ibid., Saunders Subject Files, Box 1234, Greece 6/1/69–9/30/69)↩
- Not printed. Evansʼs discussion with the King took place at a dinner party in Copenhagen, Denmark during the last week of July.↩
- Henry J. Tasca. The Senate confirmed his appointment on December 20, 1969.↩