December 10, 1959
KARAMANLIS-EISENHOWER: Ahead of the arrival in Greece next Monday of US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Prime Minister Constantine Karamanlis has called on the Greek people to welcome their official guest. «The US president’s upcoming visit is an event of major importance,» he said in a statement to the nation. «It is the first time that the president of a major transatlantic power has visited our country. The visit is taking place at a crucial time for humanity and indicates the USA’s interest in our country and the importance it attributes to bilateral cooperation. The Greek people will have the opportunity… to express sentiments of friendship and gratitude to the American people who for more than 12 years have not only provided political and moral support in consolidating our country’s security, but material assistance in its reconstruction, help that so far totals 3 million dollars… Nor should President Eisenhower’s decisive contribution to setting up the Atlantic alliance be forgotten… an alliance that ensures the security of our country. I invite all Greeks to welcome the president of the United States with the enthusiasm appropriate to the moral stature of our visitor and the importance of his mission.»
