Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969–1972

103. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Canada¹

Washington, October 8, 1970, 2347Z.

166457. Subj: Canadian/PRC recognition talks. Ref: State 156914.²

1. Canadian Ambassador Cadieux on instructions called on Assistant Secretary Green October 8 to report on further progress in Canadian/PRC talks.

2. Cadieux stated that GOC “has taken another step,” and although this may not be last, “it appears as if agreement has been reached on text of joint communiqué.” First and final paragraphs would be as previously indicated to us (reftel para 3 a and b). According to text provided by Cadieux, second paragraph now reads: “Chinese Government reaffirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of territory of People’s Republic of China. Canadian Government takes note of this position of Chinese Government.” A new separate third paragraph reads: “Canadian Government recognizes Government of People’s Republic of China as sole legal government of China.” (Molgat³ subsequently indicated to Shoesmith that separation of second and third paragraphs was intentional to protect GOC position on Taiwan issue). Cadieux indicated that acceptability of this wording to GOC was conveyed to PRC following approval of text by Cabinet committee subsequent to October 3 Stockholm meeting.

3. In addition to proposed text paragraphs two and three, GOC also has informed PRC that it would accompany announcement of agreement by Minister’s statement explaining GOC position. Text of Minister’s statement would be that of draft previously provided (reftel para 3). GOC expects that PRC may also issue own statement, possibly challenging GOC position on Taiwan sovereignty issue. In response to Green’s query, Cadieux stated that PRC aware of substance of proposed Minister’s statement but that statement has not been subject of negotiation.

4. Cadieux stated that if PRC accepts GOC proposals, GOC will suggest that joint communiqué be issued on October 13. He cautioned, however, that it still possible that PRC will object to proposed Minister’s statement and it might not be possible to announce agreement on October 13. For that reason, GOC urgently requests that we hold above information most closely.⁴

5. Cadieux stated that if agreement reached so that announcement can be made October 13, GRC will be informed October 11.

6. Green expressed appreciation that GOC keeping US informed of developments and is holding firm on not acknowledging PRC claim to sovereignty over Taiwan, a matter to which we attach particular importance. He expressed hope that GOC will continue to keep us informed and interest in any general conclusions GOC may reach on basis its negotiating experience concerning PRC diplomatic posture.

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 670, Country Files—Europe, Canada, Vol. II. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Drafted by T. Shoesmith (EA), cleared in EUR and S/S–O, and approved in E. Repeated to Taipei, Stockholm, Tokyo, USUN, and Hong Kong.
2. Dated September 23. It transmitted information from the Canadian Embassy on the current status of Canada–PRC talks. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 CHICOM)
3. First Secretary of the Canadian Embassy.
4. In telegram 166447, October 10, the Department of State reported to the Embassy in Ottawa that the Canadian Embassy had informed it that a statement on recognition would be made to Parliament on October 13. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 16 CHICOM) The joint communiqué was issued in both Ottawa and Beijing on that day.