Mediterranean Pact and Near East Security

Report Outline
Projected Eatern Regional Security Pact
Communist Threat to Security of Greece
Demands of the Soviet Union on Turkey
Russian Pressure on the Kingdom of Iran

Projected Eatern Regional Security Pact

President truman, speaking on the occasion of the signing of the North Atlantic Pact on Apr. 4, declared that “The adherence of the United States to this pact does not signify a lessening of American concern for the security and welfare of other areas of the world, such as the Near East.” In a following address British Foreign Secretary Bevin made the same point, saying that “Although this pact is called the Atlantic Pact and is defined as covering the Atlantic area … it does not minimize either our interest in or determination to support others not included in this pact, with whom we have had long years of friendship and alliances.”

These statements may have been intended as no more than reassurance to Greece, Turkey, and Iran—and warning to Russia—that formation of an alliance to strengthen Western Europe implied no relaxation of vigilance against aggressive moves elsewhere. At the same time, they did nothing to discourage speculation that the North Atlantic Pact eventually may be supplemented by a parallel security arrangement covering danger areas in the Near East. Turkish Foreign Minister Sadak arrived in Washington for conferences with American officials a week after signing of the Atlantic treaty. At a press conference, Apr. 14, he said that “Turkey believes and wishes that the Turkish security will also be guaranteed by another regional pact.” The Greek foreign minister likewise has advocated a Mediterranean pact.

It has been officially denied that such a pact is presently under consideration. It can be understood that the State Department, in any event, would not wish to advance an additional security project until the North Atlantic Pact had been ratified and Congress had taken action on the corollary program for arms aid. Questions concerning a Mediterranean pact nevertheless are likely to be raised during Senate hearings and debate on the North Atlantic treaty and in the course of House and Senate discussion of the arms program.