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446394043
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1974 Correspondence A
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446394043
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1974 Correspondence A
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George H. W. Bush Papers
China Files
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S
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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
Donated Historical Materials
Collection/Office of Origin:
Bush, George H.W., Collection
Series:
Personal Papers
Subseries:
China File, Correspondence File
OA/ID Number:
25870
Folder ID Number:
25870-001
Folder Title:
1974 Correspondence A
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6
22
1
1
December 31, 1974
Photo Copy Preservation
Mr. Oscar Armstrong
Director
EA/PRCM
The Department of State
Washington, D. C.
Dear Oscar:
Minor detail, but perhaps some attention to it will save
other families some inconvenience in the future.
Our household goods left our house in late September. They
left Baltimore on November 14th -- over one and a half months
later. Apparently the boat goes to Yokohema supposedly
arriving there December 25th.
I am advised that the estimated time of arrival in Peking is
late next month -- that will be four months from the day they
left our door and possibly there will be a delay here in
China due to harbor crowding. We were advised that it would
take six weeks.
I have two pieces of advice which I hope do not appear to be
gratuitous. First, I think families coming out here should
be advised as to exactly how long it takes. (We would have
sent some of our winter stuff on our air shipment for example.)
Secondly, I think it would be in order to ask the State Depart-
ment shipping office if this is the very best they can do.
I pass this on less in irritation about my own shipment because
we are surviving very nicely thanks to generous air shipment
allotments and very generous USLO loaners; but more to spare
others, USLO bound, inconvenience in the future.
We had a very pleasant Christmas here in Peking -- good USLO
spirit. The job continues fascinating in every way.
Happy 1975 to you and yours.
Sincerely,
George Bush
November 11, 1974
Photo Copy Preservation
OFFICIAL - INFORMAL
UNCLASSIFIED
Oscar Armstrong, Esquire
E/PRCM
Department of State
Washington, D. C.
Dear Oscar:
I am attaching two resumes. One on a Mr. O'Donnell
and the other on Mr. Wu. Both come highly recommended
to me. Both are apparently proficient in Chinese;
both want to work at USLO. I have written rather dis-
ARMSTRONG, Uscar
couraging letters to their sponsors, Senator Roth and
David Smith, but I did want you to have these resumes
as the Department is looking for good Chinese speaking
officers.
Things are fascinating here. I like the staff; I like
the job; I like Peking.
Best wishes.
Yours very truly,
George Bush
Enclosures:
Resumes on Mr. O'Donnell and
Mr. Wu
GBush: lz
UNCLASSIFIED
November 15, 1974
Photo Copy Preservation
Mr. James N. Allison, Jr.
Midland Reporter Telegram
Midland, Texas
Dear Jimmie:
I'm sitting in Peking minding my own business browsing
through Page 2964 of the Congressional Quarterly when I
come across the name Allison. Your predictions in that
story were clairvoyant. I have not gotten all the elec-
tion results, but I did see where Granberry got clobbered.
I didn't like that because I like Jim very much and I
thought with a small vote he might eke it out (age-old
Republican hope). I did see where some of our friends
bit the dust in a very complicated year. I do think things
are set up for a good comeback in '76 given a break on the
economy.
Things here are fascinating. You will have to come out
here some day and stay with us. If you ever see where you
can "dip into principal" as Earl Craig would say, let us
know. I'll bet we could work the visa out. It is fasci-
nating here -- so much to see, plenty to do, and Barbara
and I are enormously happy. We've got a wonderfully sup-
portive USLO staff, possessed of real expertise on China.
The diplomatic corps is a good one. They are very helpful
to me and, also, I have had reasonable access to the Chinese
leadership. There's a bunch of mischievous, speculative
stories out of Hong Kong saying things are falling apart,
that relations are strained, that I am excluded from contacts,
etc., and they simply are not true. None of the people
writing them have talked to us in any way -- it almost
seems like we're back in Washington when it comes to that
side of this business.
The pace is different, the telephone never rings, but as I
said above there's plenty to do. Our house is not fancy by
U.S. Embassy standards, but it's much, much more than ade-
quate. Fred made the trip okay. He was a little screwed
-2-
up for the first few days but now he's doing fine. In
summary, your Peking friends are fine. We miss you a
great deal, but when we get home we can take care of
Photo Copy Preservation
all of that. Love to Linda and love to your family.
Warm regards,
George Bush
GBush: lz (POUCH)
Intl
Photo Copy Preservation
Political Report - 6
Democratic votes in hard economic times. If Blanton wins,
busted their backs in the past, and they don't want to do it
the moderates may lose ground in internal Republican
again right now."
politics to a more conservative party faction.
Republicans have never made deep inroads into the
While Blanton and Alexander compete statewide,
state's U.S. House delegation. They hold only four of the 24
Republicans are working hard to take back the state house
Texas House seats and could lose two of those, the ones
of representatives. They controlled it in 1969 and 1970,
held by veteran Robert D. Price of the 13th District and
because one independent voted with them to break a 49-49
freshman Alan Steelman of the 25th. The only Republi-
tie. Now Democrats lead, 50-49, SO a net Republican gain of
cans who are certain to return are James M. Collins of the
one would give them control again.
3rd and Bill Archer of the 7th.
The party is not expecting gains in either house of the
state legislature, but most of its incumbents are likely to be
re-elected. Some Republicans are depressed, however,
"Good, attractive candidates
feeling that the party's gains have traditionally come in
just said this was not the year to
off-year elections, and that this year will go down as a
"
missed opportunity.
run.
"This by all rights should have been a super year," said
Allison, it just isn't They've never really gotten
-State Rep. Tom Jensen of Tennessee
down to the grass roots the way they should have. They'll
never get a real two-party system until they get the gover-
norship."
"If we don't take control of the house, the difference
will be attributed to the national situation," said State Rep.
Virginia: Statewide Success
Tom Jensen, the House Republican leader. "It's not the
fault of the local candidates, but it's taking its toll."
The past decade has been good to the Republican Party
In order to win the key seats, Republicans had to
in Virginia. Republicans hold the governorship. one Senate
seat and seven of 10 House seats. The task this year is to
reduce the number of districts in which they put up can-
didates. They are contesting only 65. "We would have felt
avoid slipping back.
more comfortable running in '75," admitted Jensen. "Good,
The only battleground is the House, since the state does
attractive candidates just said this was not the year to run."
not elect a senator again until 1976 or a governor until 1977.
The state senate is expected to remain Democratic by a
Several of Virginia's Republican representatives are under
comfortable margin.
vigorous Democratic challenge, and there is a chance that
Republicans hold five of the eight seats in the U.S.
Republicans could lose control of the delegation for the first
time since 1968.
House. Three are in some danger, and Dan Kuykendall of
the 8th District is given only about an even chance of
Most vulnerable of the Republicans is William C.
retaining his seat against a black opponent in a majority-
Wampler, whose 9th District has traditionally alternated
black district.
between Democratic and Republican representation.
Wampler is thought to be about even with Charles D.
Horne, a former Democratic Party treasurer.
Texas: Arrested Development
Other Republican representatives in some trouble are
Stanford E. Parris of the 8th and Joel T. Broyhill of the
Texas provides a classic example of a Republican
10th. J. Kenneth Robinson of the 7th is getting a difficult
resurgence that started at the top-and never worked its
test, but he is considered a favorite. Republicans are not
way down.
challenging any of the three Democratic incumbents.
Texas went Republican for Eisenhower as far back as
The Republican Party frustration in Virginia in recent
1952. It sent Republican John G. Tower to the Senate in
years has been its inability to gain ground on Democratic
1961 and returned him in 1966 and 1972. But below that
majorities in the legislature. Republicans now hold 20 of
point, the growth has been slow.
100 seats in the house and seven of 40 in the Senate. The
Republicans have never won the governorship in Texas,
house total represents a decline from 1969, when 25
despite several close calls. They ran a strong gubernatorial
Republicans were elected.
race in 1970 and came within 100,000 votes in 1972. But this
Republican leaders say that at least a dozen conser-
year they appear likely to lose by a wide margin to
vative Democratic legislators might be ready to convert if
Democratic Gov. Dolph Briscoe.
the Republican Party moved closer to a majority. But they
The Republican nominee, Lubbock Mayor Jim
concede that this year's national Republican scandals have
Granberry, became the party choice only after better-
not hastened the day.
known politicians refused to run. These included George
There has been no clear-cut Republican strategy for
Bush, former Republican national chairman, and Henry C.
winning elections in Virginia. Linwood Holton was chosen
Grover, who nearly defeated Briscoe two years ago. Con-
governor in 1969 by appealing to blacks and liberal
sidered a sure loser, Granberry has been unable to raise the
Democrats; William Lloyd Scott won a Senate seat in 1972
money he would need to expand beyond the minimal name
with a fundamentalist right-wing campaign; Mills E. God-
recognition, he started with.
win Jr. won the governorship in 1973 with a broad coalition
Jim Allison, a longtime Texas Republican strategist
of Republicans and Democrats who thought Lt. Gov. Henry
and former deputy national chairman, said Granberry may
E. Howell, running as an independent, was too liberal.
be the best candidate the party ever has fielded. But he said
"Any success we've had in Virginia," said Obenshain,
Watergate doomed Granberry's candidacy from the start.
the deputy national chairman, "came because we pulled
"What it's done is created a lot of apathy," said:Allison
different currents together-the moderate and conser-
"It's hard to get volunteers. It's just that they feel they've
vative factions."
2.
COPYRIGHT 1974 CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY INC.
PAGE 2964-Oct. 26, 1974
Reproduction prohibited in whole OF in part except by addorial clients
November 6, 1974
Photo Copv Preservation
The Honorable
Ann Armstrong
Counselor to the President
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Ann:
I wrote John Warner the attached letter regarding Dick
Davis, the headmaster of Miss Porter's School. It occurs
to me that John might just not have a slot available at
the Bicentennial for Dick, though if he's looking for
people at all, this guy would be very, very useful to him.
Dick is committed to finishing this year at Farmington,
and then he wants to do something else. Would you keep
your eyes open there. He's the kind of man who should be
involved in the governmental process someplace or certainly
in something like the Bicentennial.
Bar and I are very happy here. We've been here for two
weeks, having spent three days en route in Tokyo with Jim
Hodgson.
There is SO much to do and to see and to learn. The weather
is beautiful, clear, fall-like. We do lots of bicycling,
clrimstring ann
some tennis on courts nowhere near as good as the White House
court, though the Chinese have built a much more than adequate:
International Club a few hundred yards from our house. The
Club has two indoor courts which are being resurfaced. We
are lucky to have this kind of wonderful facility at our
disposal. I have made a lot of calls on diplomats and many
calls on Chinese officials. Every minute of the day is
fascinating. Fortunately, we have a fantastically able staff
here at USLO, with most of the officers speaking good
Chinese. They are serious professionals, and it makes my
work an awful lot easier.
We miss you already. Be sure to send me a letter bringing
me up to date on all the happenings. It's best to send it
to USLO Peking, c/o Department of State, Washington, D. C.
20520. If there ever is anything really important, Brent
Scowcroft or Dick Solomon there know how to get a cable out
here. I'm starved for news. The telephone is strangely
silent. What a change. Be sure to write me after the
elections with your analysis and with all the dope.
Photo Copy Preservation
Warm regards to Tobin.
China visit anyone? Really, talk to the President about
having you come out here. There are a lot of women involved
in high government places, and perhaps they would be willing
to talk to you for that reason if for no other. I say this
because contacts are sometimes difficult to make here and
maybe it would be a good in. Mention it to Henry.
Best regards, Ann. Bar sends her love, too.
George Bush
Enclosure: Copy of letter
to John Warner
November 18, 1974
The Rt. Rev. John M. Allin
Chairman of the Board
Photo Copy Preservation
The Episcopal Church Foundation
815 Second Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Dear Bishop Allin:
I am now living in Peking where I am Chief of the
United States Liaison Office. It occurs to me
that I will be even worse at attending Foundation
Directors Meetings than I have been in the past,
and that was pretty bad. It further occurs to me
that you might like to have my slot for someone
more active and better able to help on the problems
facing the Foundation. I therefore feel I should
resign from the Board of the Episcopal Church
Foundation or at least tender my resignation for
Board action.
It was a pleasure meeting you with Congressman
Montgomery in Washington. I hope our paths cross
often in the future.
Yours very truly,
George Bush
Episcopal Church Foundation)
GBush: lz (POUCH)
The Episcopal Church Foundation
November 8, 1974
MEMORANDUM
TO : Board of Directors
FROM: Frederick L. Redpath
Photo Copy Preservation
With the Minutes of the October Executive Committee and Board
of Directors Meetings, I enclose:
1. A statement by the Presiding Bishop.
2. Two Diocesan Press Service Reports on the Ordination of
Women.
3. A sample copy of "Is Your Will Ever Complete?"
There are, in addition, two items of current Foundation interest
on which I need the Directors' help.
Suggested Names for General Mailing List
We are making at this time a concerted effort to strengthen the
Foundation's general mailing list. I ask each of you to send me by
December 1st up to 15 names of new people who you think should be on
our list, using the enclosed form.
Major Gifts Prospects
This list was circulated in September, and I thank those Directors
who have already responded. Please look over these names and send me
corrections, or any additions, at your early convenience. Will you also
indicate two or three people whom you would be willing to cultivate per-
sonally in the Foundation's behalf.
I regret to announce the resignation of Mr. Robert H. Pease as con-
sultant in our Chicago office, effective October 31, 1974. To replace
him, I am looking for another person who might be interested in part-
time work at the Foundation's Chicago office. Your suggestions are
welcome.
Bud
OFFICERS
DIRECTORS
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Chairman of the Board
Treasurer
John M. Allin
Norton Clapp
George S. Isham
William H. Orrick, Jr.
Champion McD. Davis
The Rt. Rev. John M. Allin
Howard Phipps, Ir.
Thomas D. Anderson
William A. Coolidge
John R. Kimberly
Howard Phipps, Jr.
Mrs. Ellason Downs
Honorary Chairmen
Secretary
Sewall D. Andrews, Jr.
Charles J. Detoy
Gerald A. Lamb
James R. Reynolds
Harrison Garrett
The Rt. Rev. Henry K. Sherrill
Peter Megargee Brown
Mrs. Bromwell Ault
Edmond duPont
Mrs. Loomis 1. Lincoln
Charles L. Ritchie, Jr.
C. Jared Ingersoll
The Rt. Rev. John E. Hines
Executive Vice-President
William C. Baird
Fred C. Foy
Peter McBean
H. Chapman Rose
William G. Reed
Past President
Frederick L Redpath
Sam Benedict
Lindley M. Franklin, Jr.
Clifford D. Mallory, Jr.
John Sawyer
Thomas Rodd
William A. Coolidge
Vice-Presidents
The Hon. William H. Booth
G. Keith Funston
Allen f. Maulsby
Irving Seaman, Jr.
Hollis K. Thayer
President
Stephen P. Bell
Peter Megargee Brown
David E. Gile
Samuel W. Meek
Henry K. Sherrill
Edward E. Yaggy, Jr.
Henry S. Noble
Van S. Bowen
W. Nelson Bump
1. Victor Herd
Mrs.'Paul Moore
George H. Walker, III
Chairman of the
Assistant Secretary
George H. W. Bush
John E. Hines
John H. Myers
Harold B. Whiteman, Ir.
Executive Committee
Barbara I. Damon
Oscar C. Carr, Jr.
Mrs. Amory Houghton
Henry S. Noble
R. Gerard Willse, Jr.
Edmond duPont
815 Second. Avenue, New York, New York 10017 Telephone (212) 697-2858
MIDWEST OFFICE: 120 South LaSalle Street (Suite 2146), Chicago, Illinois 60603 Telephone (312) 726-4372
November 11, 1974
Photo Copy Preservation
Ms. Yvonne M. Alford
P.O. Box 992
Anchorage, Alaska 99510
Dear Yvonne:
Your October 11 letter reached me in Peking on
November 4. We've been here now for three weeks,
and it is absolutely fantastic. Let me quickly
answer the goints you raise. My being here is
exactly what I want to be doing. I feel President
Ford did me a big favor. It was my first choice
of assignments, and after that flattering specula-
tion for the Vice Presidential slot, the President
was most generous in asking what I wanted to do.
I will concede that I am out of sight, perhaps out
of mind, but nevertheless, I am learning and doing
ALFORD, MS: rvonne'M.
in a very important area of our foreign policy.
Believe me, it is exciting.
I confess I miss the hurly-burly of politics, but,
who knows, maybe I'll get back in that some day.
I sure haven't got it out of my system.
Thanks for your generous offer. Some day let's have
another very special plane ride. I haven't forgotten
the last one.
Warm regards.
Yours very truly,
George Bush
GBush: lz (INTERNATIONAL)
Anchorage Bicentennial Commission
REVOLUTION
3330 C Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
(907) 272-7122
AMERICAN
BICENTENNIAL
1776-1976
October 11, 1974
Dear Ambassador Designate Bush:
Following are some rather presumptious comments con-
cerning the recent happenings in the Cherry Blossom Festival
city.
One cannot feel that your appointment to China is
really all that super if he places any credence in this scenario
Nelson Rockefeller realizes during the period Mr. Ford is
Vice-President-choosing that George Bush has some rather heavy
clout with the Party. In view of this knowledge he deems it
best that George be displaced until after 1976 Presidential-
nominee-choosing time is over; thusly Mr. Bush is appointed to
serve his country in China. I sincerely hope this is not the
case and that Peking will be a giant leap forward toward being
exactly what you want to be.
Howsomeever: If this is the case (the displacement
described above), and if there will be those forces working
toward the nomination of Geroge Bush in '76, and if such organiz-
ing forces need a hand in Alaska (I mean, after all we have a
whopping 10 [I think] delegates and therefore may represent
that "margin" needed to win); please put my name in the pot
for that needed hand. O.K.?
I understand that your son spent some time in Alaska
this summer. I am sure he had many good things to report.
Best wishes to you in your new job--whatever and
why-ever it may be.
Sincerely,
Yvonne
Young
M.
Alford
yma
P. 0. Box 992
Anchorage, Alaska 99510
How many Hdmin Mss'ts are you taking to China ?
Photo Copy Preservation
December 30, 1974
Photo Copy Preservation
Mrs. Steve Allen
16185 Woodvale Road
Encino, California 91436
Dear Jayne:
Thank you for that very thoughtful card. It was indeed
a pleasure meeting you at Ambassador Scali's. I am not
clear from the card whether you have actually made applica-
tion for visas through the PRC Liaison Office in Washington.
If not, write them immediately at 2300 Connecticut Avenue,
N.W., telling them of your desire to visit the PRC.
I am sure you know that visas are tough to get particularly
for individual trips. The facilities are limited and when
they say it's not convenient that is most often the reason --
they simply don't have the facilities, interpreters or
hotels to take care of the volume of people who would want
to come to China. In your case, however, they might view
it very differently since you were born here and both you
and Steve enjoy a prominence in the United States, plus an
affection for China that would make you likely candidates.
You might tell Ambassador Huang Chen that I said for you to
write him to try to get the visa. Actually, my office here
tells me there is nothing we can do on this end to facilitate
these. It is all done through the Washington end.
Best of luck and, needless to say, Barbara and I will be
delighted to see you when you get back to your native land.
We are enjoying ourselves and the whole challenge of the
work enormously.
Yours very truly,
G
George Bush
Photo Copy Preservation
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