Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917–1972, Volume VIII, Public Diplomacy, 1969–1972

162. Circular Telegram From the United States Information Agency to all USIS Posts and Multiple Addressees¹

USIA–2793/Infor Guide No. 72–3

Washington, February 14, 1972, 1548Z.

2793. USIAC. CINCPAC for POA and AIG 7803, USCAR for OPA pass VOA correspondents. Subject. The President’s Journey—For a Generation of Peace²

President’s unprecedented journey marks both beginning and an end. Hopefully, it will be beginning of process of communication between world’s most powerful nation and world’s most populous nation. It is end of over two decades US relations with PRC which were characterized by mutual hostility.

While journey will not rpt not result in instant solutions to US differences with China, opening of dialogue at highest level will serve cause of world peace. For this reason, President’s initiative has received enthusiastic support from American people and worldwide approval.

TREATMENT

Output should be full and factual, conveying serious purpose, historic significance and stated objectives of trip. In coverage of color and ceremony attendant upon this event, our commentaries should not focus on commercial media’s interest in unusual or the bizarre.

Since President himself has indicated probability that the only information on agenda and talks will be contained in joint communiqué upon conclusion of discussions, speculation would neither be productive nor in US interest. Thus every effort should be made to stay with and give full play to official pronouncements, statements and communiqués, as well as reports filed by VOA’s correspondent on the scene. Our media output and field posts should take full advantage of responsible and balanced domestic and foreign reaction.

President’s most recent Foreign Policy Report³ provides the conceptual framework within which meetings will take place.

Following are points of emphasis to be used as appropriate:

—We should portray this event as part of President’s worldwide efforts for generation of peace. These include (1) beginning of new relationship with Soviet Union; (2) laying of foundation for improved relationship with European allies and Japan; and (3) creation of a new environment for world’s trade and monetary activities.

—Major purpose of President’s decision to visit PRC is to establish dialogue and develop process for continuing discussions of any differences.

—US well aware of problems as well as opportunities, but accepts challenge of reducing differences and building more constructive relationship.

—Exchange of views is essential to world peace, particularly in an age of turmoil and nuclear weapons.

—US and PRC will meet as equals in efforts to reduce tensions and differences. Neither country expects the other to barter away either country’s principles or abandon its friends.

—US will maintain its commitments and will not negotiate on behalf of third parties.

—US will preserve its close relationship with Japan, as it seeks to gain better understanding with China.

—Rather than attempting to exploit Sino-Soviet differences, US desires to better relations with both countries. US efforts to improve relations with PRC are intended to enhance prospects of world peace. Attempts to interpret US initiatives in any other light lack basis in reason or fact.

—US will maintain its friendship, diplomatic ties and its defense commitment with Republic of China on Taiwan. Ultimate relationship between Taiwan and mainland is not matter for US to decide.

—US does not expect instant solutions. President has emphasized existence of major differences. Thus output should not raise undue expectations.

—China’s cooperation in vast and complex arrangements that accompany the travel of America’s Chief Executive demonstrates a climate of mutual trust and respect. Hospitality of host government, events themselves and the concomitant media coverage are testimony to atmosphere within which detailed arrangements have been made by both governments for President and First Lady.

—Meetings with Chou-En-lai and Mao Tse-tung will be primarily dialogue which US hopes will lead to period of negotiation rather than confrontation.

—Peace in Asia and in the world requires the participation of China whose population represents one quarter of the human race. President goes to Peking without illusions. He goes “committed to improvement of relations between our two peoples, for the sake of our two peoples and the people of the world.”⁴

Shakespeare

1. Source: National Archives, RG 306, Director’s Subject Files, 1968–1972, Entry A1–42, Box 28, 1972 OGA—President’s China Trip. Limited Official Use; Priority. Drafted by Chase and Izenberg; cleared by Towery, Hoffman, Crane, Peterson, Bradshaw, Rugh, Arnold Hanson, Jellison, and Dillon and in substance by Holdridge and Alfred Le S. Jenkins (EA/ACA); approved by Monsen. With the exception of Towery, who initialed his clearance, Chase and Izenberg initialed for the clearing officials. Sent to all USIS posts and Berlin, Montreal, Moscow, Toronto, USUN, CINCPAC, and liaison offices USCAR. Sent via telegraph.
2. The President was scheduled to depart for Beijing on February 17. Documentation on the visit to China, February 21–28, is in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XVII, China, 1969–1972, and ibid., vol. E–13, Documents on China, 1969–1972. Copies of USIA briefing materials for the China trip are in the National Archives, RG 306, Office of Research, Special Reports, 1953–1997, Entry P–160, Box 31.
3. See footnote 3, Document 160.
4. The quotation is from the President’s Foreign Policy Report for 1972; see footnote 3, Document 160.