CAB129-45 — Page 468

(a) The extension of N.A.T.O. to include Turkey would commit the United

States to assist in the defence of Turkey and so tend to involve her in the defence of the Middle East.

(b) Under present circumstances in the event of war Greece and Turkey could adopt a position of armed neutrality, but if we included them in N.A.T.O. their active co-operation against Russia would be more certain. The armed forces of Turkey in particular could make a substantial contribution.

(c) The extension of N.A.T.O. to cover Turkey would give confidence

to the Middle East countries.

(d) Military collaboration with Turkey and Greece would be made

easier. Turkey would be less reluctant to plan with the Middle East since she would no longer fear the loss of American support. Further, the United States Military Mission in Ankara would have no further cause to dissuade Turkey from collaborating with the Middle East as is alleged to be the case at present.

Conclusions

We conclude that the military advantages of including Greece and Turkey in N.A.T.O. outweigh the disadvantages.

60

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(Signed)

FRASER

J.C. SLESSOR

N. BROWN JOHN

(for C.I.G.S.)

-2-

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.R.