PROPOSED STAFFING OF LIASION OFFICE IN PEKING

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-31-1-35-7
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: April 3, 2012
• Sequence Number: 35
• Publication Date: February 23, 1973
• Content Type: MEMO

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No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/04/03: LOC-HAK-31-1-35-7
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MEMORANDUM
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NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
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MEMORANDUM FOR: MR. KISSINGER
FROM:
JOHN H. HOLDRID
SUBJECT: .
ACTION
February 23, 1973
Proposed Staffing of Liaison Office in Peking
Ambassador Porter has sent you a memorandum (Tab A) forwarding his
thoughts on the staffing of our liaison office in Peking.
He proposes one FSO-1 or FSO-2 with political and language background
as the senior officer; two FSO-3s as economic and administrative officers,
respectively; two FSO-4s as assistant political and economic officers,
respectively; one FSOIFSS as a general services officer; an interpreter,
rank unstated; three Seabees for maintenance work; three communicators;
and an unstated number of Marine Guards. There would be four secretaries.
Exclusive of the Marine Guards, about whom Ambassador Porter has some
doubts. the staff would total 17. of which 5 would be substantive and
preferably have language background.
As to the Marine Guards, Ambassador .Porter notes that they could be
explained to the Chinese as being customarily stationed in our offices
for security purposes and would wear civilian clothes if desired.
He states that support details can be firmed up once you have commented,
and that Marshall Green will be shepherding the project while he himself
is in Paris. He suggests contacting the Chinese in Paris on this subject
if this would be helpful to you.
Comment:
This staffing pattern can be taken as a more-or-less standard State
breakdown of personnel based on experiences in manning small posts.
You will note that while the top officer is an FSO-l or 2, the next ranking
is an FSO-3.
7!t fffi-S~- GDS BYAUTH John H. Holdridge
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/04/03: LOC-HAK-31-1-35-7
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SECRET /EXDIS
In general, Ambassador Porter's proposals seem adequate. Before
fixing our staff level more firmly, however, it would be useful to know
what the Chinese may have in mind. Their fixation on the principle of
"equality and mutual benefit" is such that they would probably not want
our staff in Peking to exceed theirs in Washington. This is a point
which you might wish to discuss with the Chinese through your private
channel. Hopefully, the Chinese would tell us what they want before we
tip our oven hand. If they want a smaller mission than what we want we
can either try to get them to go along with us or adjust our own numbers
downward.
As to the Marine Guards
a security force will be necessary. marines without uniforms could do
the job, or State security personnel. The Marines would be preferable,
though, since their use is standard. We would expect the Chinese to
have security personnel of their own, and they thus might interpose no
objections to our Marines.
Recommendation:
That you authorize me to inform Ambassador Porter that you agree to
his proposal as a basis for planning, but subject to further information
becoming available from the Chinese side.
Approve Disapprove
SECRET /EXDIS
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/04/03: LOC-HAK-31-1-35-7
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/04/03: LOC-HAK-31-1 35-7r- 6 998
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UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE
FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS
CONFIDENTxA.I+yEXfIS
February 22, 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR DR. HENRY F. KISSINGER
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Staffing of Liaison Office in Peking
In response to your request, I am attaching an outline
of a staffing pattern for the liaison office in Peking.
If it meets with your approval, the next step will be to
slot. names to the tentative list of positions. If you have
any names in mind for participation in this mission, please
let me know.
I have also omitted military personnel. For this cate-
gory, I await your views.
You will note the mention of Marine Guards. If the
Chinese question this, we could explain that they are custom-
arily stationed in our offices for security purposes and that
they would wear civilian clothes if desired.
The support details, including finances, will be firmed
up when we have your additional comments.
During my absence in Paris, Marshall Green will be shep-
herding this project. If there is anything we can do for you
on, this subject in Paris while the Chinese delegation is there,
please let me know.
William J. Porter
Attachment:
Staffing pattern.
CONFIDENTTAL~IS
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2012/04/03: LOC-HAK-31-1-35-7
 CONFIDENTIAL -
Outline of Staffing Pattern
Liaison Office, Peking
3 Communicators/Pouch clerks.
10, Marine Guards (?)
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7303256
gui
FSO 1 or 2 ... , Political,, with;,:.Chinese language , ,,.,and
general background.. Secretary.
FSO 3 - Economic. Language. Secretary.
FSO 3 - Executive/Administrative. Secretary.
FSO 4 - Assistant political officer. Language.
Secretary.
FSO 4 - Assistant Economic Officer.
FSO/FSS - General Services Officer.
Interpreter, if possible Chinese origin, American-born,
American citizen.
3 Seabees -- carpenter, electrician, mechanic.
90
CONFIDENTIAL
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