Page:Kissinger's Trip (4) - November 25-29, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1553937).pdf/34

Rh Because in...

We can refer to the Shanghai Communique, too. The 1973 communique -- the Shanghai Communique -- says they will stay in contact. "The two sides agreed that they will stay in contact through various channels, including the sending of a senior U.S. representative to Peking from time to time." In the [November] 1973 communique we said, "The two sides agreed that in present circumstances it is of particular importance to maintain frequent contact at authoritative levels in order to exchange views." It is a better formulation.

But I should think the basic thinking is consistent.

Oh, yes, it is consistent.

But the sequence of events was we first invite your Secretary of Defense and then you proposed inviting your President. Do you have any wording?

We could say the Chinese invited the Secretary of Defense to the United States. [Laughter]

I agree. My idea was we don't on this issue -- we would not need to quote any communique, because you are authoritative, too. Isn't that true?

You knew you would get me at my weak point. I want to thank you on behalf of my father for mentioning me first here tonight. [Laughter]

We could use a more neutral formulation. For example, I don't have the exact... Let me give you the idea.

So maybe for your convenience, we could have a short break and you could discuss it and then you could give us your wording.

Why don't we have 15 minutes? Will you be in this building? Will you stay here?

You can drive us off -- out of this room. [Laughter]

There are more of us.