Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
1555845
label
People's Republic of China - Premier Chou En-lai
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
1555845
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
People's Republic of China - Premier Chou En-lai
citationUrl
collections
Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders (Ford Administration)
Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders
subjects
China
thumbnailUrl
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
1555845
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1976-04-30
month
4
year
1976
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1976-04-01
month
4
year
1976
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
a6bc5b49972257c4
ocrText
The original documents are located in Box 4, folder "People's Republic of China - Premier
Chou En-lai" of the National Security Adviser's Presidential Correspondence with
Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 4 of the NSA Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1976
Dear Mr. Premier:
I am pleased to introduce to you by way of this letter
Ambassador Thomas S. Gates, Jr. the new Chief of
our Liaison Office in the People's Republic. I have
the highest confidence in Ambassador Gates, who has
been a personal friend and political associate of mine
since the period of the Second World War. I know he
will effectively represent the views of my Administra-
tion, as did Ambassador David Bruce and Ambassador
George Bush before him.
Mr. Gates has rich personal experience in matters that
are of concern to both our countries. As a former Secre-
tary of the Navy and Secretary of Defense, he clearly
understands the global security concerns we face. More-
over, he has long been an advocate of a policy of security
through a strong American defense capability.
As I remarked during Ambassador Gates' swearing-in
ceremony, while China and the United States have differ-
ences which neither side attempts to hide, we believe
our common interests in resisting hegemony, and in
enabling all peoples to follow their own unique paths of
national development, provide a strong foundation for a
durable and growing relationship. We must maintain an
authoritative dialogue between our two leaderships in
this turbulent and complex world, and grasp occasions
for parallel or cooperative actions which will support
our common objectives.
At the same time, we understand that the opportunities
for such action will be enhanced as we are able to
consolidate our bilateral relationship. I have indicated
GERALE
2
on a number of occasions since returning from your
country last December that I remain determined to com-
plete the normalization of our relations through joint
efforts based on the Shanghai Communique. This not
only will serve the interests of our two peoples, but also
will contribute to building a more secure world order.
I hope you will share with Ambassador Gates your pers-
pectives on both international developments and our
bilateral relationship. He is prepared to sustain our
side of this authoritative dialogue. At the same time,
we welcome the return to Washington of Ambassador
Huang Chen.
In closing, let me again offer you my good wishes in
your new post. I hope you will also convey my personal
regards to Chairman Mao.
Sincerely,
Herald R.
His Excellency
Hua Kuo-feng
Premier of State Council
of the People's Republic of China
Peking
1B
FORD
?
LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
GERALD
WASHINGTON
April 21,1976
General-
Suggested thange at Tab I
apt 4/26/76 Art
General -
HAK has cabled his
approval of this ltr there
State channels per Bud.
Lara= = 4/26/76
Tab I Fudtoo
4.261900
MEMORANDUM
2308-X
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ACTION
April 20, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
FROM:
RICHARD H. SOLOMON
RHS
SUBJECT:
Presidential Letter of Introduction for Thomas
Gates to PRC Premier Hua Kuo-feng
Per your request, I have drafted in coordination with the State Department
a Presidential letter of introduction which the new Chief of our Liaison
Office in Peking, Thomas S. Gates, Jr., can carry with him when he
departs for Peking at the end of this month. The purpose of the letter
will be to serve as a vehicle for a substantive discussion with the new
PRC Premier, with whom we have had no direct interaction.
The draft letter (at Tab A) has been cleared with Win Lord and the EA
Bureau. They will be sending the text of this draft, and a series of
talking points for Mr. Gates to use in a call on Premier Hua, to the
Secretary for his review. Thus, you may wish to discuss the attached
draft with Secretary Kissinger before forwarding it to the President for
his signature.
The draft makes three points: the President expresses his personal
support for Mr. Gates; he reiterates the importance of maintaining a
dialogue between our two countries as we continue to seek ways of deal-
ing with the problem of "hegemony"; and he reiterates his commitment
to complete the normalization of U.S. -PRC relations.
The draft letter is covered by a memorandum from you to the President.
The memorandum indicates that the draft reflects Secretary Kissinger's
views as well as your own.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you forward the memorandum at Tab I to the President.
FUND
GERALD ?
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
&
4/27
MEMORANDUM
2308-X
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
April 26, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
B
SUBJECT:
Letter of Introduction for Ambassador
Gates to Present to the New PRC
Premier
You discussed with our new PRC Liaison Office Chief Tom Gates,
Secretary Kissinger, and myself the value of having Ambassador Gates
carry a letter of introduction from you to the new Chinese Premier,
Hua Kuo-feng. Such a letter would provide an occasion for a review
of world issues with the new Premier.
The suggested letter at Tab A makes three basic points: It expresses
your high personal confidence in Ambassador Gates. You reiterate
the value to both countries of maintaining an authoritative dialogue as
we cope with issues of common concern in the world. And you re-
affirm your determination to complete normalization of US-PRC
relations. Doug Smith of Mr. Hartmann's office has approved the text.
The draft has been coordinated with Secretary Kissinger.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter at Tab A.
MEMORANDUM
2308-X
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
SUBJECT:
Letter of Introduction for Ambassador Gates
to Present to the New PRC Premier
ed
You will recall discussing with our new PRC Liaison Office Chief
Tom Gates, Secretary Kissinger, and myself the value of having
Ambassador Gates carry a letter of introduction from you to the new
Chinese Premier, Hua Kuo-feng. Such a letter would provide an a pre- occasion
text for a review of world issues with the new Premier, a man we have
had no direct exposure to (other than Mr. Nixon's very brief luation)
The suggested letter at Tab A makes three basic points: It expresses
your high personal confidence in Ambassador Gates. You reiterate the
value to both countries of maintaining an authoritative dialogue as we
cope with issues of common concern in the world. And you reaffirm
your determination to complete normalization of U.S. -PRC relations.
The draft has been coordinated with Secretary Kissinger.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter at Tab A.
MEMORANDUM
2308-X
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
SUBJECT:
Letter of Introduction for Ambassador Gates
to Present to the New PRC Premier
You will recall discussing with our new PRC Liaison Office Chief
Tom Gates, Secretary Kissinger, and myself the value of having
Ambassador Gates carry a letter of introduction from you to the new
Chinese Premier, Hua Kuo-feng. Such a letter would provide a pre-
text for a review of world issues with the new Premier, a man we have
had no direct exposure to (other than Mr. Nixon's very brief evaluation).
The suggested letter at Tab A makes three basic points: It expresses
your high personal confidence in Ambassador Gates. You reiterate the
value to both countries of maintaining an authoritative dialogue as we
cope with issues of common concern in the world. And you reaffirm
your determination to complete normalization of U.S. -PRC relations.
The draft has been coordinated with Secretary Kissinger.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter at Tab A.
GERAID & FORD
LIBRARY
2308-X
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
SUBJECT:
Letter of Introduction for Ambassador
Gates to Present to the New PRC
Premier
You discussed with our new PRC Liaison Office Chief Tom Gates,
Secretary Kissinger, and myself the value of having Ambassador Gates
carry a letter of introduction from you to the new Chinese Premier,
Hua Kuo-feng. Such a letter would provide an occasion for a review
of world issues with the new Premier.
The suggested letter at Tab A makes three basic points: It expresses
your high personal confidence in Ambassador Gates. You reiterate
the value to both count ries of maintaining an authoritative dialogue as
we cope with issues of common concern in the world. And you re-
affirm your determination to complete normalization of US-PRC
relations.
The draft has been coordinated with Secretary Kissinger.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter at Tab A.
Rewrtn: Gen S/AH/lds/4-26-76
GERALD & ANNUOIT FORD
2308-X
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
SUBJECT:
Letter of Introduction for Ambassador
Gates to Present to the New PRC
Premier
You discussed with our new PRC Liaison Office Chief Tom Gates,
Secretary Kissinger, and myself the value of having Ambassador Gates
carry a letter of introduction from you to the new Chinese Premier,
Hua Kuo-feng. Such a letter would provide an occasion for a review
of world issues with the new Premier.
The suggested letter at Tab A makes three basic points: It expresses
your high personal confidence in Ambassador Gates. You reiterate
the value to both count ries of maintaining an authoritative dialogue as
we cope with issues of common concern in the world. And you re-
affirm your determination to complete normalization of US-PRC
relations.
The draft has been coordinated with Secretary Kissinger.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter at Tab A.
FORD
Rewrtn: Gen S/AH/Ids/4-26-76
some
GIBRARY
2308-X
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
SUBJECT:
Letter of Introduction for Ambassador
Gates to Present to the New PRC
Premier
You discussed with our new PRC Liaison Office Chief Tom Gates,
Secretary Kissinger, and myself the value of having Ambassador Gates
carry a letter of introduction from you to the new Chinese Premier,
Hua Kuo-feng. Such a letter would provide an occasion for a review
of world issues with the new Premier.
The suggested letter at Tab A makes three basic points: It expresses
your high personal confidence in Ambassador Gates. You reiterate
the value to both count ries of maintaining an authoritative dialogue as
we cope with issues of common concern in the world. And you re-
affirm your determination to complete normalization of US-PRC
relations.
The draft has been coordinated with Secretary Kissinger.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter at Tab A.
Rewrtn: Gen S/AH/lds/4-26-76
FORD
è
BERALD
LIBRARY
a
2308-X
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
SUBJECT:
Letter of Introduction for Ambassador
Gates to Present to the New PRC
Premier
You discussed with our new PRC Liaison Office Chief Tom Gates,
Secretary Kissinger, and myself the value of having Ambassador Gates
carry a letter of introduction from you to the new Chinese Premier,
Hua Kuo-feng. Such a letter would provide an occasion for a review
of world issues with the new Premier.
The suggested letter at Tab A makes three basic points: It expresses
your high personal confidence in Ambassador Gates. You reiterate
the value to both count ries of maintaining an authoritative dialogue as
we cope with issues of common concern in the world. And you re-
affirm your determination to complete normalization of US-PRC
relations.
The draft has been coordinated with Secretary Kissinger.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter at Tab A.
TURO
DENALL
LIBRARY
Rewrtn: Gen S/AH/lds/4-26-76
DOC
RECD
LOG NUMBER
1m
MO
DA
MO
OA
HR
INITIAL ACTION O
NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROFILE
4
20
4
20
18
7602308x
TO: PRES
X
FROM: SECSTATE
S/S
UNCLAS LOG IN/ OUT
SCOWCROFT
SECDEF
LOU
NO FORN
NODIS
HYLAND
DCI
X REF
C
EYES ONLY
EXDIS
DAVIS
S
CODEWORD
SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION
STATE OTHER EXSEC solomen
TS
SENSITIVE
SUBJECT: Pres lt of introduction to PRC Premier
HUA KUO Feng for Thomas gutes - LA
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
REC
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
CONCUR-
COOR-
INFO
CY
RENCE
DINATE
FOR
ADV CYS S'CROFT / WGH
MEMO FOR SCOWCROFT
STAFF SECRETARY
MEMO FOR PRES
CONGRESSIONAL
REPLY FOR
ECONOMIC
DISTRIBUTION/INITIAL ACTION ASGMT
APPROPRIATE ACTION
EUR/ CANAOA/ OCEANS
MEMO
TO
FAR EAST/ PRC
RECOMMENDATIONS
INTELLIGENCE
JOINT MEMO
LATIN AMERICA
REFER TO
FOR
MID EAST/ NO. AFRICA
ANY ACTION NECESSARY?
NSC PLANNING
CONCURRENCE
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
DUE DATE:
SCIENTIFIC
COMMENTS: (INCLUDING SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS)
SUB-SAH/ AFRICA , UN
DATE
FROM
TO
STATUS
SUBSEQUENT ACTION REQUIRED (OR TAKEN):
DUE
CY TO
4/20
Script
X
4-26
Pres
for to sfar lt
squaltriti Kinfeng
SUBSEQUENT ROUTING/ACTIONS
4-27
NSC/S
ltr to Kew for
DISPATCH
NOTIFY
MICROFILM & FILE RQMTS
NSC/S DISP INSTR
M/ D
BY
SPECIAL DISPOSITION
IF
CRT ID:
NS
DY
SPECIAL INDEXING:
OPEN
WH SA FP
CLOSE
PA
SUSPENSE CY ATTACHED
NSC 76-21
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE - 599-022 - 1976
599-022