Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XVII, China, 1969–1972

56. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon¹

Washington, December 27, 1969.

SUBJECT

• Sino-Soviet Relations

Attached are extracts from a perceptive CIA analysis of current Sino-Soviet relations.² The report indicates, inter alia:

• —Peking admits being forced into border talks and believes Soviet efforts to improve relations with the West are part of preparations for “dealing” with China.
• —Peking’s campaign of civilian “war preparations” is designed to deter a Soviet attack as well as promote national unity and unpopular domestic programs.
• —Moscow will continue military pressure along the frontier and pursue diplomatic efforts to isolate China.
• —Peking will remain the vulnerable and defensive party and seek to improve its international diplomatic position.

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1006. Alexander M. Haig Chronological File, Sino-Soviet Relations. Secret; Sensitive. Notations on the memorandum indicate that it was to be taken to San Clemente and that the President saw it.
2. Attached but not printed are extracts prepared in the White House. Although there exist a variety of reports from the CIA concerning Sino-Soviet relations, none was found in the files that corresponded to the following extracts.