November 28, 1959
GREECE-TURKEY-NATO: Greece spends 7 percent of its gross domestic product on defense, the highest percentage in Western Europe after Britain and France. That puts Greece in a stronger position at the imminent NATO meeting in Paris. On paper, both Greek and Turkish military units constitute half of NATO’s land forces. The Turks have 20 divisions and the Greeks 12 in NATO but, in both countries, the greatest proportion of their military is concerned with domestic security and is not available to NATO. The size of the area being defended is out of proportion. Greek and Turkish forces could play a decisive role in the event of any local dispute but would not be capable of acting as a deterrent to a powerful aggressor or keep it at bay for any length of time. However, the time gained could be of vital importance as the senior Atlantic command would have the time to decide what to do. American Air Force bases and aircraft carriers are the most important means of response in such an eventuality. CENTER-RIGHT FORMATION: A fresh attempt is being made to set up a third political force in Greece, according to a newspaper report yesterday attributed to a government source. Among the independent deputies said to be heading this effort is former government minister Georgios Rallis.
