Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–13, Documents on China, 1969–1972

30. Instructions for the Military Attaché at the Embassy in France (Walters), Washington, October 8, 1971¹ ²

Washington, October 8, 1971

Instructions for General Walters

1. General Walters should read the text of the attached announcement (Tab A) to be made jointly in the US and USSR on October 12, 1971. After reading it he should tell the Chinese that they are the first country to be notified of this announcement and that a few countries allied with the US will be notified shortly before the announcement. We would appreciate discretion. General Walters should add that Dr. Kissinger stresses again the reaffirmation of the principles governing the U.S. conduct of relations with the Soviet Union and the fact that he will discuss this subject fully when he is in Peking.

2. General Walters should then hand over the attached lists (Tab B) of (1) the personnel in Dr. Kissinger’s official party, some of whose names they have already received, and (2) the aircraft crew which has slight modifications as noted. He should point out the following:

• — In addition to Dr. Kissinger’s two personal secret service agents, who were with him in Peking last time and who will perform the same functions as they did on his last visit to Peking, there is one additional member in Dr. Kissinger’s party, Commander Jonathan T. Howe, U.S. Navy, who is a member of Dr. Kissinger’s personal staff. General Walters should explain that in this way Dr. Kissinger will be able to have Mr. Lord with him for private meetings with Prime Minister Chou En-lai, Mr. Holdridge with the State Department representative in any concurrent meetings on subsidiary questions, and Commander Howe with the other personnel for discussions of technical subjects.
• — Messrs. Redman and Hughes, whose names were on the aircraft crew list already provided, will also be taking part in technical discussions and thus are now listed in Dr. Kissinger’s party.

3. Dr. Kissinger believes it would be desirable if the following sequence could be used with regard to the questions concerning technical arrangements for the President’s visit:

• — First, the Prime Minister and Dr. Kissinger could privately reach understandings on the major technical questions, such as Dr. Kissinger mentioned to Ambassador Huang on September 13 (e.g. length and itinerary of President’s visit; composition of party; schedule of meetings; press arrangements).
• — Second, there could then be a plenary session involving the technical personnel on both sides at which the Prime Minister and Dr. Kissinger could formally lay out views on the agreed upon basis.
• — Third, the technical personnel could then conduct their separate discussions within the broad framework agreed to at the plenary session.

4. General Walters should then make the following remarks, saying that we hope they will help the host country in its planning:

• — The U.S. side will rely on the Chinese side for interpreters.
• — The U.S. side would appreciate it if a room could be set aside for typing and other office work.
• — The U.S. side would appreciate knowing whether the Chinese side envisages the need for any formal public statements during the course of this visit.
• — While invitations to any social functions are, of course, entirely up to the Chinese, there is no requirement for Messrs. Redman, Elbourne or the three secret service personnel to be invited to whatever functions may be planned for Dr. Kissinger.
• — The U.S. side would hope that Dr. Kissinger’s official party could be housed together or in close proximity. It would be helpful to have Mr. Cuff, a stenographer from the aircraft crew, housed with the party also, in case he is needed to help with clerical duties. The rest of the aircraft crew would preferably be housed not too far from the airport.

4. General Walters should give the Chinese Dr. Kissinger’s proposed itinerary (local times). (Tab C)

5. General Walters should state that the U.S. plans to release the names and the itinerary on October 14 at 1000 Washington time.

6. General Walters should give the Chinese a copy of Dr. Kissinger’s October 5 press briefing. (Tab D)

[Tab A]

The leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union in their exchanges during the past year have agreed that a meeting between them would be desirable once sufficient progress had been made in negotiations at lower levels. In light-of the recent advances in bilateral and multilateral negotiations involving the two countries, it has been agreed that such a meeting will take place in Moscow in the latter part of May 1972.

President Nixon and the Soviet leaders will review all major issues with a view towards further improving their bilateral relations and enhancing the prospects for world peace.

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 849, President’s File-China Trip, China Exchanges, July 1971-Oct 20, 1971. Top Secret; Eyes Only. No drafting information appears on the instructions. Although a handwritten notation on the document reads “10/9/71,” Walter’s memorandum for the record indicates that he received these instructions while in Washington on October 8. See Document 31. Attached at Tab A is the joint announcement. Tabs B, C, and D are attached but not published.
2. Walters was instructed to announce that President Nixon would visit the Soviet Union in May 1972, inform the Chinese that they are the first to be notified, and discuss logistics about Nixon’s visit to China.