CONTINUING WORLD-WIDE REACTION TO YOUR CHINA INITIATIVE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-294-4-29-0
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: November 16, 2009
• Sequence Number: 29
• Publication Date: July 24, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2009/11/16: LOC-HAK-294-4 29_Y SD
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
SECRET/NOFORN
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
INFORMATION
July 24, 1971
FROM: HENRY A. KISSINGER
SUBJECT: Continuing World-Wide Reaction to Your
China Initiative
..There follows a summary of the continuing world-wide reaction to your
China initiative:
People's Republic of China
PRC media have continued their usual output of anti-U. S. propaganda
although this includes a decided dirninuation of personal attacks on you and
a lack of comment on specific issues in Sino-U. S. relations that has been
noted in the past two to three months.
Elsewhere in Asia
MORI/CDF
C03318694
Although the basic theme of Asian reaction continues to be one of approval
of the initiative, official and unofficial comment seems to be turning increas-
ingly to the implications of this breakthrough. In Japan attention continues
to be focussed on the domestic political implications. Sato, who had been
put on the defensive in the past few months by certain provisions of the
Okinawan Reversion Agreement, difficulties in Japan's economic relations
SECRET/NOFORN
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
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with the U. S. d his party's poor 'showing in the recent upper house
elections, hf been made even more so by our not having consulted the
GOJ in a Dance on this move toward Peking. Some dissident elements
in his arty are now calling for his resignation, and others are suggesting
a r -examination of the basic U. S. -Japan relationship.
hilippine President Marcos, applauding your move, has suggested that
you visit his country and others after your Peking trip. He thought that
Peking still would have to prove its good intentions in international relations,
but believed it might now get into the U. N. this year. Thai and Cambodian
leaders, vh ile generally approving the move, are concerned over the terms
of a possible Washington-Peking settlement on Indochina worked out over
their heads. (Thai officials also are showing some anxiety over Taiwan's
fate.) Official and unofficial Indonesian comment has given cautious
approval, but has likewise s'd concern as to what U. S. -PRC talks
might portend for smaller nations. Foreign Minister Malik has reitera-;
that restoration IS~akar ads r i~iii's with Peking depends on Peking's
ending its support for insurgents in Indonesia. Australian Prime Minister
McMahon apparently is searching for ways to catch up with our China policy,
but finds himself hampered by his criticism of Opposition Labor Party
Leader Whitlam's recent Peking trip. (McMahon has just written you com-
plaining strongly over a lack of prior consultation to try to prevent Taiwan's
expulsion from the U. N. )
On'Taiwan, criticism continues at a high pitch. Foreign Minister Chou
Shu-kai has publicly counselled restraint, but many lesser GRC officials
are alleging a U. S. abandonment of principle and betrayal of an ally.
Editorial reaction, turning from shock to anger, is advising an end to de-
pendence on the U. S. and a determination to fight on regardless of the odds,
calling the U. S. action reminiscent of its sacrificing the ROC in the forties.
In India the Government has welcomed the U. S. initiative as. easing tensions
and promoting an Indochina settlement. In Pakistan, aside from approval of
the thaw in U. S. -PRC relations, the press reaction has included gratification
at the alleged discomfort of the Indian Government as well as Pakistan's role
in Dr. Kissinger's mission, and speculation that Pakistan's assistance with
the Kissinger visit will make the U. S. more forthcoming on aid to Pakistan.
SECRET/NOFORN
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V
SECRET/NOFORN
Europe
Both official and unofficial comment in Western Europe and Canada continue
to give almost unqualified approval to your initiative. The Western Euro-
pean press is speaking almost ecstatically of a new era in diplomacy, and
is comparing this development to other major turning points in modern Asian
history. (The Canadian Government has, however, announced it will oppose
the Important Question resolution even in modified form if we propose it
for handling Chirep in the U. N. this year. )
Moscow has still failed to comment officially on the development, and the
Soviet press is reporting the event factually in low-key. The reaction from
Eastern Europe remains somewhat mixed. Hungarian, East German, and
Bulgarian media now profess to see an anti-Soviet animus in the Washington-
Peking announcement.
Mid-East and Africa
The response in the Mid-East and North Africa has run from an enthusiastic
reception of the news in Iran and Turkey to cautious approval in Cairo. The
relatively limited reaction in Sub-Sahara Africa has been highly favorable,
interlarded with expressions of concern for Taiwan's future.
Latin America
The sparse comment thus far available welcomes your upcoming visit to
Peking, except in Bogota where a ranking Foreign Office official saw it com-
plicating the Chinese Representation question in the U. N.
SECRET/NOFORN
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2009/11/16: LOC-HAK-294-4-29-0