On 18 February 1952, Greece and Türkiye joined NATO, bringing the total number of members to 14.
This was the first round of enlargement for the Alliance, only three years after its creation.
The decision by the twelve founding members to grant membership was taken at the Ottawa Conference on 20 September 1951, where a resolution was adopted to this effect. On that day, Belgian Foreign Minister, Van Zeeland stated: “The decision has been taken. The twelve members of the Pact have decided to invite Greece and Türkiye to join them; to join them in their efforts to maintain peace.”
Expanding membership: strategically vital
The decision was a strategic one. It was taken at the beginning of the Cold War and just after the outbreak of the Korean War, a war that confirmed the Allies’ greatest fears: that if it were willing to extend its influence in Asia, the Soviet Union had the potential to attack Europe. The accession of both countries would provide an additional military guarantee to resist Soviet political pressure or armed attack, and serve to contain communism.
Türkiye and Greece had requested NATO membership as early as 1950 and became members on the date of deposit of the instruments of accession with the Government of the United States of America, 18 February 1952.
Extract from "Alliance for Peace", 1953.
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