ABSTRACT
Following the settlement of the Cyprus dispute, in early 1959, anti-American feeling receded. Yet issues with a damaging potential for US interests persisted. In accordance with its platform for ‘national democratic change’, EDA had already sought to capitalize on neutralist sentiment, the thaw in East-West relations and the increasing awareness of a global nuclear threat in order to launch its campaign for international détente and peace. In conformity with Soviet foreign policy objectives, EDA opposed the installation of American missile bases in Greece, condemned Western intervention in the Middle East and supported Soviet-inspired proposals for nuclear-free zones in Eastern Europe and a general understanding between all Balkan states.1 Through the Greek Committee for International Détente and Disarmament, set up in May 1955, the Left was able to make inroads in important groups of opinionmoulders. Thus, in late May 1957, the student association of the University of Athens organized a week of protest against nuclear testing.2 A few weeks later, the scientists’ associations of Crete added their voice against nuclear weapons, their testing and the installation of ‘nuclear bases of any kind’ on the island.3 In July, even the ultraconservative Academy of Athens called for a nuclear test ban.4 In December, it was the turn of the Athens City Council to come out against the installation of ‘missile bases’.5 On the eve of the NATO summit in Paris where the introduction of American intermediate range ballistic missiles was discussed, anxiety was evident in the Greek press lest Western Europe should be turned ‘into an American missile depot’.6
