Page:Kissinger's Trip (3) - November 25-29, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1553936).pdf/7

 Peter W. Rodman, National Security Council

Lora Sirnkus, National Security Council

DATE AND TIME:

Wednesday, November 27, 1974

3:36 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

PLACE:

Great Hall of the People

Peking

SUBJECTS:

Europe; Japan; Middle East; South Asia; Cambodia; Energy and Food; Normalization


 * I hope you're not too tired.


 * No, I'm in good shape.

I see the Vice Premier has a list here, which he hasn't completed [discussing] yet. [Laughter]


 * We touched upon the question of Europe this morning.


 * Yes.


 * Actually we believe it is essentially the same with Europe as with Japan. We have often expressed the view that it is our wish that the U.S. keep its good relations with Europe and Japan.


 * In fact the Chairman scolded me last year for not having good enough relations with Europe. [Laughter]


 * This opinion of ours is based on consideration of the whole [global] strategy. Because now the Soviet Union is determined to seek hegemony in the world, if they wish to launch a world war and don't get Europe first, they won't succeed in achieving hegemony in other parts of the world, because Europe is so important politically, economically and militarily. And now that Europe is facing the threat from the polar bear, if they don't unite and try to strengthen themselves, then only one or two countries in Europe will not be able to deal with this threat [in isolation]. We feel with respect to the United States that when the United States deals with the polar bear, it is also necessary for