693.0031/12–844: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 8—10:43 a.m.]
1978. Oral statement issued [handed?] December 2 [to] Political Vice Foreign Minister. (ReDeptel 1522, November 23, 5 p.m.) He disclaimed knowledge of statement on postwar commercial policies and said he would make inquiries. On December 7 he informed us unofficially that no statement had been drawn up but that proposals to do so had been made by interested Chinese officials and that official response to our approach would be made soon.
Dr. Wu’s comments conflict with those of T. F. Tsiang who said on December 2 that statement had that date been approved by Supreme National Defense Council and sent to Gmo for approval. It may be that our action has caused Council to recall statement for further study and possible redrafting.