15. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to Secretary of the Treasury Blumenthal and Secretary of Commerce Kreps1

SUBJECT

  • U.S.–PRC Trade Relations

The President has noted the sharp downturn in U.S. exports to China which began early last year. As you know, this downturn has led to the first U.S. trade deficit with China since U.S. import controls were lifted in 1971.

The President would like to know what we can/should do about this. Please let me know by Thursday, March 10.

Zbigniew Brzezinski
  1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 8, China (People’s Republic of): 3–6/77. Confidential.