MEMO TO HENRY A. KISSINGER FROM HAIG

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-504-5-43-9
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: March 21, 2011
• Sequence Number: 43
• Publication Date: July 8, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/21: LOC-HAK-504-5-43-9
TOP SECRET/S
LY EYES ONLY
July 8, 1971
siT To
FOR: KISSINGER
FROM: HAIG
State Dept review
completed
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
Have just completed two hour discussion between leader, his
Chief of Staff, guest and me. Rather tortuously threaded our way
through to current state of play, with suggestion that decision as
to general venue was recently arrived at as a result of information
just given to you and provided to Washington via Pak channels to me.
Leader stated he had authorized you to proceed to secret
location without giving precise spot. My judgment is that guest was
not particularly surprised. Meeting was cordial and became more so
as ramifications of enterprise were discussed. Discussed nature and
timing of possible announcement following your return and I believe
all are postured along the lines you had hoped for, both with respect
to timing and substance of possible announcement,
New development here which could effect your meeting is
press play given to backgrounder in Japan by Secretary Laird's
press secretary, Friedheim, following up reported statements made
by Laird in Japan. General gist of stories receiving immense play
in Tokyo are to effect that Laird suggested we would not be opposed
TOP SECRET
MORI/CDF per
C03416752
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/21: LOC-HAK-504-5-43-9
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/21: LOC-HAK-504-5-43-9
TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE/EXCLUSIVELY EYES ONLY -2-
to independent Japanese nuclear. capability. Further stories suggest
that Laird or his spokesman indicated that SALT talks would result
in shifts in strategic balance which might provide incentive for Japanese
nuclearization. Department of State has strongly denied this line,
emphasizing that we have encouraged Japan to sign NPT and that
inference drawn in Japan is incorrect. Also emphasized that SALT
negotiations are being conducted so as not to disrupt strategic balance
in any way.
You may find your host concerned about Japanese. press play
and perhaps suspicious that Laird planted stories to posture hosts
for your meeting. Obviously, it will be necessary for you to be
prepared for this latest turn of events. Leader also authorized his
guest to assure Japanese Ambassador in D. C. that there is no truth
in speculation emanating from Laird comments.
Best regards.
. TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE/EXCLUSIVELY EYES ONLY
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/21: LOC-HAK-504-5-43-9