HERR VON HASSEL, WEST GERMAN DEFENCE MINISTER, HAD TALKS I IN ATHENS TODAY (MONDAY) WITH GREEK LEADERS, AMONG THEM THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN MINISTER, AND THE DEFENCE MINISTER.

THE WEST GERMAN DEFENCE MINISTER AND THE GERMAN AMBASSADOR IN ATHENS WENT TO THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY FOR THE TALKS THIS MORNING.

DURING HIS FOUR-DAY FORMAL VISIT TO GREECE, HERR VON HASSEL IS EXPECTED TO DISCUSS WITH THE GREEK GOVERNMENT THE PROBLEMS OF GREECE'S DEFENCE, THE BURDEN OF HER MILITARY EXPENDITURE, AND THE POSITION OF GREECE WITHIN THE NATO ALLIANCE.

GREEK OFFICIALS HAVE DISCLOSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL GIVE THE WEST GERMAN DEFENCE MINISTER FULL DETAILS OF THE COUNTRY'S DEFENCES AS WELL AS THE INCREASED NEEDS OF HER ARMED FORCES FOR IMPROVED EQUIPMENT.

ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM BONN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS PREPARED TO GRANT GREECE ABOUT GBP3 MILLION THIS YEAR.