Page:Kissinger's Trip (2) - November 25-29, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1553935).pdf/27

 Now, about the invitation of the Secretary of Defense. This presents us with a problem. The Soviet leaders have repeatedly invited our Secretary of Defense to MowcowMoscow [sic] and have asked for a reciprocal exchange of visits between our Secretary of Defense and their Minister of Defense. And we have consistently refused. And then they proposed meetings of military commanders in Europe, and we have turned that down too. So if we begin using our Secretary of Defense for diplomatic travels, he will begin going to places that I don't believe are desirable.

But we have two possibilities. First, we would approve a visit by any other Cabinet member to Peking. And secondly, I believe also that we could consider an invitation to President Ford if that were considered desirable. So it is not a lack of interest in demonstrating a close relationship.


 * So, as the Doctor just now mentioned this, if President Ford desires a possibility to come to China, we would welcome him.


 * I suppose we could envisage it for the second half of next year. Or, what are your ideas?


 * Anytime would be all right for us.


 * We don't have to fix an exact date. When I was here the first time, we did not fix a date -- only a certain time period.


 * It can be decided upon on a different time.


 * Let us agree then in 1975.


 * I think that is all right.


 * And I think that would be an important event.