Selection: Michalis Katsigeras

GREECE AND NATO: Paris, 27 – According to sources at NATO’s general headquarters, the Greek government’s representative has categorically stated that if Britain insists on implementing its plan for Cyprus unilaterally, Greece will withdraw from the North Atlantic alliance immediately. The statement has prompted intense diplomatic activity, as the commander of the forces in the Atlantic, Wing Commander General Lauris Norstad has issued an urgent appeal to the Supreme Tripartite Military Council, the Pentagon and the White House asking them to use all their influence, particularly on Britain, to avert such a potential disaster for NATO’s military goals. Reports from nearly all member states except Turkey speak of deep concern with regard to the warning from Greece. Turkey and its permanent representative in Paris are desperately struggling to downplay the reactions in all NATO member states and are claiming that the Greeks are bluffing. They say that no Greek government would remain in power if it tried to carry out such a threat. No one is taking the Turkish claim seriously as the Greek government has made it clear that the entire Greek nation doubts whether NATO would help defend Greece if it were attacked in defending Atlantic interests.