331. Memorandum by the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)1
Washington, February 17, 1972.
MEMORANDUM FOR
- The Secretary of State
- The Secretary of Defense
SUBJECT
- Homeporting in Greece
The President approves, in principle, the homeporting of a U.S. carrier task group in Greece.2
The President wishes the U.S. government to implement this decision in the following manner.
- —These proposals shall be discussed with the Greeks in the near future.
- —The State Department shall prepare a report as soon as preliminary negotiations with the Greeks are completed. This report should assess the Greek position and alternative approaches to further negotiations.
- —The Department of Defense should evaluate the U.S. and friendly tactical air capability required in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the alternative approaches to meeting these requirements.
Upon completion by March 2, 1972, this work shall be forwarded for the Presidentʼs consideration before further discussions or negotiations are held with the Greek government.
Henry A. Kissinger
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 594, Country Files, Middle East, Greece, Vol. III, Jan 72–Oct 73. Secret; Exdis. A copy was sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.↩
- See Document 329.↩