June 4, 1954
GREECE-YUGOSLAVIA: Yesterday’s reports of complete agreement being reached during Greek-Yugoslav talks and of the formation of a Tripartite Military Alliance (with Turkey) have been confirmed. The conversion of the Tripartite Balkan Pact – which remains the main political instrument – into an alliance was considered mandatory during yesterday’s meeting at the Foreign Ministry (of Greece), on the occasion of the official visit to the country by Field Marshal Josip Broz Tito. Both sides ascertained the need for, and decided to adopt, a decision to establish a defense organization in the region. (…) There was a military honor guard at the arrival and departure of Field Marshal Tito at the ministry. Also in the Yugoslav delegation were the foreign minister, Mr Popovic, the president’s general secretary, Mr Vilfan, Ambassador Ranko Zec and the ambassador in Athens, Mr Jovanovic. The Greek delegation included the prime minister, Field Marshal Alexandros Papagos, Foreign Minister Stephanos Stephanopoulos, Foreign Ministry General Director Alexis Kyrou, the director of Balkan affairs, Mr Christopoulos, and the ambassador to Belgrade, Mr S. Kapetanidis.
