...Western Europe, p. 2 ...Asia, p. 12 ...Peking, Moscow, p. 20

# MR. NIXON'S VISIT TO CHINA: THE COMMUNIQUE

## Summary

Foreign media gave top treatment today to the joint communique that ended President Nixon's week-long visit to the People's Republic of China. Many newspapers headlined Mr. Nixon's statement that "this was the week that changed the world."

News stories and commentaries generally focused on the U.S. affirmation of intent ultimately to withdraw all forces from Taiwan and on the joint pledge to undertake contacts and exchanges to broaden mutual understanding.

Initial editorial comment was predominantly favorable, and reflected a widespread impression that Peking and Washington "want to coexist in peace and work toward normal relations" (Italian TV).

The London *Financial Times* said that while differences remain, "it is clear that far more has been achieved during the past week than a simple agreement to continue talking."

On the other hand, journalist Raymond Aron said on Paris-based Europe One radio that "nothing has changed, except for a better Chinese-American climate."

Some observers in Western Europe and Asia expressed apprehension over U.S. "concessions" regarding Taiwan. Thus, rightist *Aurore* of Paris said it felt "some anxiety" that in Moscow Mr. Nixon would "make concessions on Europe comparable to those which his concern for American disengagement has just inspired in Asia."

Much Asian comment reflected concern about the uncertainties of the future.

Peking media carried the text of the joint communique and continued their full and factual news treatment through Mr. Nixon's departure, but did not comment. Moscow media have not commented on the communique.

* * *

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Rome TV: "Cautious U. S. Concessions on Taiwan"

An Italian television commentator said yesterday that the "main point" of the communique is the announcement that Peking and Washington "want to coexist in peace and work toward normal relations." He continued:

"The communique includes cautious American concessions on Formosa's future...and a pledge of future consultation between Washington and Peking and Sino-American exchanges....

"Deep divergencies emerge from the communique on how to approach detente in Asia and on the role of the major powers... although China has stated she has no intention of becoming a superpower."

"But More in Principle Than in Substance"

A TV correspondent in Hong Kong reported that the initial reaction in Taipei was "bitterness," but he added:

"The fact remains that the U. S. has made a concession more in principle than in substance. Among other things, troop withdrawal in installments is not a new thing; it has been announced repeatedly in Nixon's latest foreign policy speeches..."

Another commentator noted "surprise in Formosa circles, but satisfaction over Kissinger's statement that the U. S. will not abandon her commitments to Formosa." He said Saigon was "worried about possible secret agreements..."

"Nixon Was Successful"

This morning's Italian newspapers front-paged the communique. Editorial reaction was generally favorable.

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Leading independent *Corriere della Sera* of Milan stated in a front-page editorial:

"The major development as shown by the final communique is the clear indication of the Peking Government's will to continue and to intensify the dialogue with Washington about the normalization of bilateral relations and, above all, regarding participation in a new and more stable world balance...."

"In the Peking talks Nixon was interested in encouraging China to participate in the tripolar strategy he is working out. At the same time, he aimed at reaching this objective without jeopardizing the second phase of his strategy, namely, his Moscow trip. The communique shows that Nixon was successful in both regards..."

### "Hesitation and Fear in Far East"

The paper ran its Hong Kong correspondent's report of "hesitation and fear in the anti-Communist Far East." He wrote:

"Today Hong Kong wonders if the Chinese dragon succeeded in enchanting the American tiger (a paper tiger, according to Mao). There are different opinions ranging from cautious optimism of Westerners to deep skepticism of the Chinese (except the Communists)..."

### "Agreements But Also Divergencies"

In Rome, middle-of-the-road *Il Messaggero* headlined, "Agreements But Also Divergencies in the Sino-American Communique," and said "the great journey... must be evaluated in the light of a grand gesture...and of a surprising initiative, rather than in the light of the results which were set down with inexorable realism...."

"If the communique will not be useful to the White House for hoisting the flag of a triumphant victory...neither can it be said that Nixon will return home with empty hands."

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Rightist Tempo asserted that "what clearly emerges... is that the concrete steps toward overcoming the hostility between the countries are mostly the result of American concessions....

"In our opinion the Peking trip means that the U.S. assumes a role of a careful spectator and not of protagonist as regards the Soviet dispute.... If Moscow relied on the Vietnamese conflict to see the Americans entangled... in a war against China, this expectation was disappointed. And if Peking relied... on a clash between the atomic superpowers, it now realizes this is impossible..."

## Communist Paper: "Positive Elements... and Potential Dangers"

Pro-Communist Paese Sera, Rome, summed up the communique this way: "No sensational change in the positions of either side regarding the main international problems."

Communist L'Unita of Rome commented, "We hail the Peking trip as an historical event... full of positive elements; nonetheless there are some obscure aspects, complex repercussions... and potential dangers."

## Radio: "Dialogue Has Begun"

An Italian radio commentator declared last night that the trip was "a great success for President Nixon."

This morning a commentator stated that "the dialogue has begun between the two countries and, after 28 years of misunderstandings, the march toward detente has started..."

## Treatment in Paris

The joint communique was the principal news item in all Parisian papers today as well as on radio and television yesterday. Observers focused on Taiwan as the most interesting element, but differed as to its significance.

Paris-based Europe One radio's Jacques Tellier in a report from New York quoted a New York Daily News headline, "We're Awaiting the President's Clarification on this Masterpiece of Confusion." He said Americans "are rather disappointed that the Chinese turned out to be tougher than they had let on and that the communique was, in their view, a recognition pure and simple of Chinese demands on Formosa and an abandonment of Chiang Kai-shek." He noted that the President said in Shanghai that what will follow is more important than the communique, and asked, "Is this a reference to Vietnam?"

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The station's Tokyo correspondent reported the communique had made a "very bad impression" in Japan, and that, according to the *Japan Times*, the "dominant feeling is one of betrayal." Journalist Raymond Aron commented on the same station that "nothing has changed, except for a better Chinese-American climate."

On Radio Luxembourg, heard in Paris, Jean Ferniot alluded to Mao's description of the U.S. President as a man with his arms full of eggs: If he wishes to eat some, he must break some. "Nixon decided to break plenty," the commentator said.

On the second French television network China analyst and Gaullist politician Edgar Faure said the Chinese are "more interested in settling their own affairs than in Vietnam," and that "the rest will come in good time."

## "Ambiguous Formula" on Taiwan

Several Paris newspapers this morning published excerpts of the communique but only *Humanite* printed the full text.

The headline display in today's influential, conservative *Figaro* read:

"NIXON IN SHANGHAI: 'This Week Has Changed the World.' However, the President Got Only the Minimum Expected. The Process Has Begun for Strengthening U.S.-Chinese Relations."

Roger Massip commented in the paper today that "the Taiwan obstacle has been avoided" with an "ambiguous formula" and that "agreement on the issue is thus limited."

"The commitment made by the U.S. President... is subject to certain conditions.... The American guarantee to Taiwan remains...

"Has something concerning Vietnam been given in exchange for this apparent concession? The communique is silent on this point.... The touchiness of the Vietnamese made it imperative for the Chinese to show themselves very discreet."

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"Americans Waiting for TV Report"

Washington correspondent J. Jacquet-Francillon reported today in the same
paper:

"Most Americans feel a communique of this kind was probably
not drafted to reveal what really took place. Everyone is thus
waiting impatiently for the TV report to the nation that Mr. Nixon
promised to make on his return to Washington."

"Approval in U.S. Political Circles"

Washington correspondent A. de Segonzac reported in France-Soir:

"American public opinion has not been expecting important
concrete results. Thus it has not been disappointed by the
Shanghai communique. The main thing, in its opinion, was
to lay the groundwork for peaceful coexistence and to work
toward an eventual normalization of relations."

He declared that "political circles generally approve the concessions" on Taiwan and "unreservedly approve the precautions taken in the communique to reassure third powers in Asia and especially to prove to the Russians that there has been no conniving against them in Peking." He added:

"For the wide majority of Americans now, the fate of the world
will be settled between the U.S. and Russia. Hoping that the Nixon-
Chou talks will make the President's task in Moscow easier, the
Americans are now turning toward that second summit."

"Nixon Has Paid Dearly"

Roland Faure commented today in rightist Aurore of Paris:

"If the U.S. President has played and won, he has also paid
dearly, although not with his own money, by offering his hosts
what they value most, Taiwan....

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"Is it not legitimate to feel some anxiety about the future of the world if Mr. Nixon should also feel it timely in Moscow to make concessions on Europe comparable to those which his concern for American disengagement has just inspired in Asia?"

## "A Calculated Retreat"

Left-of-Center *Combat* of Paris judged that apparently "the match is a draw." It added, "Yet it is not certain that the score is even. China's gain is considerable." It said America is "staging a calculated retreat, but a retreat all the same."

"This retreat has been calculated in terms of realities and Mr. Nixon deserves praise for his lucidity.... When needed, Nixon will know how to use the new weight he has given China in his relations with Moscow. And China... can now concentrate on coping with the Soviet menace.... The Kremlin has no reason to put out bunting."

Financial *Les Echos*, generally pro-U.S., said today of the Taiwan issue, "Whatever Mr. Kissinger may say, one really has the impression of an American weakening on that point, which is bound to arouse sharp reactions in Taipei and Tokyo."

## London Headlines

All London papers this morning gave lengthy coverage to the communique. Editorialists praised the outcome of the journey, though most cautioned that only time will tell the results. These were headlines:

"U.S. LINK WITH CHINA TO CONTINUE AFTER 'WEEK THAT CHANGED WORLD'"

(Times)

"THIS WEEK CHANGED WORLD, SAYS NIXON"

(Daily Telegraph)

"NIXON YIELDS TO CHOU ON TAIWAN"

(Guardian)

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"Favorable Memories... Less Suspicion"

The independent *Times* of London judged that "the communique rounding off President Nixon's stay in China will seem to confirm the anti-climax that was being reported toward the end of his visit rather than the buoyant optimism current in its first days...."

"Yet... the importance of the meeting rests in its having been held at all. Moreover, both sides approached the confrontation with a degree of hope and goodwill. In terms of the personal relations that must have been established there is no reason to doubt that each has taken away some favorable memories."

"Suspicions will be less; fears possibly banished. At the very least the 'accidental miscalculation or misunderstanding' that have brought these two countries to the brink more often and more dangerously than others will not again be possible..."

The paper added that "Mr. Nixon must have realized before he went, and has certainly confirmed in the talks in Peking, that almost all the concessions must first come from his side, not China's, if relations between the two countries are to be put on a new footing."

"More Achieved Than Agreement to Continue Talking"

The independent London *Financial Times* wrote:

"President Nixon's visit to China has not resulted in any wholesale solution of the political differences which divide Washington and Peking. To that extent it has fulfilled the predictions which Mr. Nixon himself consistently made for it."

"But while the differences remain, and while even the establishment of a permanent American mission in Peking seems a remote prospect, it is clear that far more has been achieved during the past week than a simple agreement to continue talking."

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# "Strong Hint to Chiang Kai-shek"

The liberal Manchester *Guardian* maintained today that "the most important part of the communique is probably the promise that the contact which has been resumed after such a long interval will be continued." It added that the communique "is a strong hint to Chiang Kai-shek in Taiwan that he would be wise to seek a peaceful accomodation of his differences with Peking."

The conservative London *Daily Telegraph* judged:

> "America and Mao's China are still 22 years and some bitter disputes apart, but they have purposely started the long march toward diplomatic relations and towards cooperation, perhaps on a global scale. This is the message that emerges from the communique..."

The paper said that "President Nixon stood his ground over Vietnam...and reaffirmed America's support for South Korea pending a settlement. The Chinese part of the communique, however, looked depressingly like a propaganda tirade..." It concluded:

> "A great deal now depends on the effects of the various contacts between the countries which have been arranged."

## Sunday Press: Contrasting Views

British Sunday papers, published before release of the communique, carried articles and editorials on the President's trip.

In an editorial entitled 'Salute to the President,' the mass-circulation *People* asserted that Mr. Nixon "deserves a pat on the back on behalf of the whole human race" for his determination "to break down the great wall between China and the rest of mankind."

In contrast, Henry Fairlie wrote in the conservative *Sunday Express* that "the circus in Peking during the past week has been a 'pseudo' event.... Nothing which has happened in Peking during the past week has seriously mattered." He said the "key question" of American life today is: "Do the blacks and the whites really want to live together?.... Beside it, either Vietnam or China is a pseudo issue."

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A Radio Correspondent's View

A BBC radio correspondent in South Vietnam stated yesterday that Mr. Nixon may have given away more than he received in China. He said that other than on the subject of Taiwan, the communique dealt mostly in "generalities" and that "much will depend on how matters work out in practice."

The correspondent added that "the communique will be taken very seriously in the Far East as a step toward more normal relations between two hostile nations."

West German TV Treatment

West German TV reports stressed U.S. willingness to withdraw from Taiwan.

The first network's Washington correspondent reported that a majority of Americans were "satisfied" with the results of the trip, "although few see any cause for celebration." The statement on Taiwan, he said, is seen as "the painful, but necessary" step toward a new development in Asia. U.S. acceptance of the five principles indicates that Mr. Nixon believes, the correspondent reported, that "peaceful coexistence with China can preserve American influence in Asia."

"A Confirmation of Guam Doctrine"

A TV correspondent in Hong Kong judged that the statement on Taiwan was "nothing substantially new... a confirmation of the Guam doctrine" but that it would cause uneasiness among America's allies in Asia.

A correspondent reported from Taipei that the mood there had changed from initial anger to one of "calm determination" because the Government was convinced that "even its loudest protest" to the U.S. would change nothing. "With a flourishing economy and a strong army... the Government in Taipei hopes to be ready for all future problems," he said.

Newspaper reports today on the communique focused on the mutual renunciation of the goal of hegemony in Asia, the U.S. pledge to withdraw its forces from Taiwan, increased trade and exchange of persons, and the plan for a ranking American to visit Peking from time to time as part of the process of normalization of relations.

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# "Entire World Has Changed for Moscow"

An editorial in today's right-center *Frankfurter Allgemeine* said that neither side permitted the Taiwan issue to be an obstacle; rather, the communique showed both sides had been "moderate" on the issue. It predicted that Taiwan would feel relieved because the U.S. commitment to protect Taiwan continues. It stated:

> "Agreement and the promise not to seek or tolerate hegemony in Asia are easier to explain as philosophy than to implement in practice. Nevertheless, this represents the basis for a mutual opening....

> "Bipolarity is gone forever.... Some things have changed for America. Much has changed for China, but the entire world has changed for Moscow."

Pro-Social Democratic *Neue Rhein Zeitung* of Duesseldorf found that the communique indicated "concessions" by the U.S. which were not reciprocated by China and that Mr. Nixon had made China "the third world power" by his visit.

# "Nixon Latitude Will Be Shown in Moscow"

Pro-Christian Democratic *Bonner Rundschau* also saw "unreciprocated U.S. concessions," but declared that Mr. Nixon's gain was in flexibility. It asserted that "the extent of latitude Nixon gained in Peking will show during his Moscow visit."

Bonn's independent *General-Anzeiger* declared that both sides had tried "to soothe their allies"--Mr. Nixon focusing on Japan, Premier Chou on North Vietnam. The editorial said both tried to reassure the USSR that they are not thinking of a "policy of pressure.

> "But Peking and Washington see Moscow's nervousness as a welcome side effect of the Nixon trip."

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Der Spiegel, a weekly newsmagazine out today, said that whether accommodation or agreement on spheres of interest was reached will be revealed "only when Moscow has defined its role and China has regained the self-assurance required to open a door to the outer world."

## West Berlin: "Both Sides Emerged as Victors"

Today's independent B.Z. of West Berlin wrote that "according to President Nixon and his adviser Kissinger, the Americans are returning to Washington as victors.... But it seems closer to the truth to say that both sides emerged victorious.... Each of them has given something in order to receive something in return...."

"The U.S. has introduced China to the exclusive club of the powerful without whom no politics can be carried on.... How the Russians will adjust to the new situation will be discernable no later than May when Nixon will be received in Moscow."

## Tokyo TV: "Third 'Nixon Shock'?"

Japanese media today and yesterday topped all news with reports of the communique, emphasizing in their reports "the historic first step" in normalization of Sino-American relations, the Taiwan issue and "agreement on the five principles of peaceful coexistence."

A commentator on NHK-TV said the communique ended U.S.-China confrontation and that both countries were moving toward normalization of relations. That process he said "will lead to stronger Japanese arguments addressed to the Government on changing its China policy."

The network yesterday broadcast live Foreign Minister Fukuda's press conference in which he said that the contents of the communique did not differ greatly from what the Government had expected. But a studio commentator said:

"In one sense the communique could have the effect of a third 'Nixon shock' on Japan because the Government, after the... San Clemente talks, had expected no change in U.S. policy on Taiwan."

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A commentator on a special Fuji-TV program said the communique was like the tip of an iceberg because it did not mention the USSR "which is believed to have been one of the most important problems" discussed during the visit.

An NTV commentator judged the significance of the communique was the U.S. "expression of its intention to abandon Taiwan. This will lead to an era of peaceful coexistence between the U.S. and China."

### Fukuda--"Highly Successful... No Contradiction"

Tokyo papers today prominently reported Foreign Minister Fukuda's press conference, saying he called the President's visit "highly successful," said there was "nothing unexpected" in the communique and "no contradiction between Japan's policy toward China and the latest Sino-U.S. talks," and interpreted the withdrawal of U.S. forces as tensions eased to be "the heart of the Nixon Doctrine."

### Sato--"Will Help Relax Tensions"

A Kyodo news agency dispatch said that Prime Minister Sato declared in the House of Representatives today that "the frank exchange of views" revealed in the communique "will help to relax tensions in Asia." Mr. Sato also said it was "natural" to think of Taiwan as being part of China. The report said political observers considered the statement on Taiwan "quite a departure" from Mr. Sato's previous position on the issue.

The English-language *Asahi Evening News* reported today that the Foreign Ministry expects to get at "the real meaning" of the communique in discussions with Assistant Secretary Green. Ministry sources were cited as saying the communique represented a "step backward" from expectations because of the inclusion of the "confrontation of principle" over Taiwan and the failure to provide for permanent agencies to continue contacts between China and the U.S. The sources also judged that the statement on Taiwan was consistent with the Nixon Doctrine and did not represent a change in U.S. policy.

### "Another Severe Blow for Government"

Independent-liberal *Asahi's* report of the communique said it indicated the Japanese Government had been "dealt another severe blow" because the "era of Sino-American coexistence" in Asia was opening and the Government "was virtually without preparations" for it. The paper's editorial said the meetings in China "were significant in ending the unproductive miscalculations by both sides," but concluded that "the points of confrontation...in the Asia-Pacific area are very severe.

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"We feel that, despite the confirmation of U.S.-China peaceful coexistence, we cannot overlook the reality that many danger areas still exist where both the U.S. and China can get into trouble."

## "Epoch-Making, But Causes Complications"

A front-page commentary in independent-moderate _Yomiuri_ of Tokyo declared the communique indicated "an epoch-making change from confrontation to dialogue" evident in the agreement on the five principles and the desire to normalize relations. However, the paper said, "the rapid U.S.-China rapprochement has strengthened resistance in third countries which are wary of deals being made behind their backs."

"It has also produced a feeling of isolation in Moscow and has irritated the Soviet Union.... This is expected to cause complications in the tri-polar world."

Independent-moderate _Mainichi_ said the most noteworthy point of the communique was "U.S. recognition for the first time" that Taiwan is part of China, but the paper said, this does not mean that "the U.S. bowed to China" and had decided to abandon its obligation to defend Taiwan. The editorial noted Dr. Kissinger's statement that the U.S. would adhere to its commitment to Taiwan.

Business-oriented _Nihon Keizai_'s report said that the Japanese Government "fears isolation," and that the Government would "defer studying countermeasures" until after the discussions with Assistant Secretary Green, expected in Tokyo tomorrow.

## Coverage in Seoul

The Korean press today splashed banner headlines on the communique across their front pages. Several papers printed the full text of a translated version. A widely used Reuters story quoted Mr. Kissinger as stressing that the U.S. will maintain its defense commitments to Taiwan.

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A Reuters story from Hong Kong speculated that President Nixon might have met Hanoi leaders secretly in Peking. A UPI story said that both Japan and Taiwan will give a cool reception to Assistant Secretary Green.

Foreign Minister Kim Yong-shik was reported by the press to have said today that failure to reach agreement between the U.S. and China on Korean issues had been expected by the Korean Government and that it would take this as an indication that the U.S. has firmly supported Korea's position in the face of Chinese assertions.

Spokesmen of both political parties were also quoted; that of the ruling DRP followed the line of the foreign minister. Kim Soo-han of the opposition NDP urged the Korean Government "to initiate diplomatic efforts with the U.S. to prevent Korea from becoming a second Taiwan."

## "U.S. Policy Bound to Undergo Drastic Shift"

Independent influential *Joongang Ilbo* of Seoul today declared:

> "Although the U.S. is making clear that its rapprochement with Red China will not be at the expense of its allies, and that it will continue to maintain close ties with and support to Korea, nevertheless there is no doubt that the U.S. policy toward Asia is bound to undergo a drastic shift..."

## "High Expectations for Green Visit"

Several papers commented on the pending visit of Assistant Secretary Green. Pro-Government *Kyunghyang Shinmun* of Seoul said it had "high expectations for the visit...

> "We are now very eager to know all details of whatever views were exchanged between the two sides on Korean affairs. And particularly as to whether there was any discussion of 'two Koreas,' an issue we regard as a sensitive one."

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Taipei on U.S. Commitment

The Taipei press this morning gave lengthy front-page treatment to the
communique, and the Kissinger reassurance of President Nixon's pledge to
honor U.S. commitments. Most papers dropped the unilateral PRC
statements.

Papers quoted a "diplomatic observer" (usually the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) as saying that most parts of the communique were as expected, except for the section on Taiwan, which the Government had hoped would not be mentioned. The "observer" said the communique must be read against the background of the Kissinger comment.

The official KMT Central Daily News repeated the Republic of China's earlier "solemn warning" that it would "consider null and void any U.S.-bandit agreement" involving its "rights and interests." It added:

"The Nixon-Chou communique recognizes Taiwan as part of China's territory. There is nothing wrong with that. At the same time President Nixon realizes Taiwan is the seat of the Government of the Republic of China...the only legal government the U.S. recognizes as representative of China.

"There exists a solemn treaty between the two countries and President Nixon has repeatedly stated...that the U.S. will honor its treaty commitments."

"A Feeling that Nixon Has Betrayed Pledge"

The privately-owned Chung-kuo Shih Pao of Taipei said the size of U.S. military installations and forces "should be decided by the two Governments through consultations," and asked:

"How could Nixon make this unilateral announcement and furthermore announce it in the joint communique with the Maoists?"

The paper stated that U.S. forces were on Taiwan "not for Taiwan defense but for the support of the Vietnam war, and that the reduction will be based on reduced tensions in the area.

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"Still it cannot avoid leaving people with the feeling that Nixon has betrayed a pledge and abandoned justice for the sake of appeasing the Maoists."

This afternoon's English-language *China News* demanded "a full account of President Nixon's conversations with Chou and Mao, and a memorandum of all agreements, whether finalized or implied." Referring to the upcoming visit by Assistant Secretary Green, it said:

"If everything but the communique is secret, why should he bother to come? In fact, neither Green nor his boss, Secretary Rogers, were present during Nixon's talks with Chou and Mao Tse-tung."

## Philippine Views

Philippines radio and television stations reported the substance of the communique, concentrating on the Taiwan issue and the U.S. intention to withdraw from Southeast Asia as tension decreases.

An editorial in Manila's nationalistic *Sunday Times*, frequently hostile to U.S. policy, said Asian nations can "justifiably hope for reduction of tensions" and the Nixon trip to China "may even have brought their hope for a neutralized Asia much closer."

A columnist in *The Philippines Herald* said most Asians would not regard the Peking talks as "clever...great power diplomacy" by the U.S., but rather as an admission of its "rapidly declining position in Asia....

"The U.S. military presence in Asia can neither threaten nor successfully beat China into submission."

## Wide Attention in Djakarta

The communique and final events of the President's visit to China received wide attention in Djakarta media today. Some newspapers ran misleading headlines implying that the U.S. had "handed over" Taiwan. No editorials commented on the communique.

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Kuala Lumpur: "Long Journey Has Begun"

Most of Kuala Lumpur's newspapers published the full text of the communique, together with news reports and photos of the end of the visit. Two Chinese-language papers published special editions. Radio and TV reported extensively on the communique and world reaction to it.

The influential *Straits Times* thought the communique justified President Nixon's warnings against exaggerated expectations of the visit, but said it nonetheless "makes clear and specific the fact that the long journey to understanding and peace has begun."

Singapore: "Some Significant Results"

An editorial today in leftist *Nanyang Siang Pau* of Singapore said the President's trip "has already achieved some significant results" in removing barriers which have separated the two countries.

Leftist *Sin Chew Jit Poh* said, "the Nixon of today has won over the Nixon of yesterday. Awakened from the nightmare of his past struggle against China and Communism, the American President has made a complete change in his policy toward China..."

Bangkok: No Papers Today

Thai and Chinese languages papers in Bangkok did not publish today in observance of a Buddhist holiday.

A columnist in leading *Siam Rath* said yesterday that Mr. Nixon is the "hope of the Asian countries because his talks and agreements with Communist China help to ease tension in this region, especially over the Vietnam war."

"But this hope becomes rather vague when the world power supporting North Vietnam is now Russia."

The American-owned and edited *Bangkok World* commented today that the communique was "sufficiently guarded" on the point of troop withdrawals based on a decrease in tension, because it was up to the party concerned to interpret the degree of the reduction.

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## Melbourne: "Very Much as Expected"

The conservative *Sun* of Melbourne held that the communique "was very much as expected--a diplomatic dim sim--very little mincemeat wrapped in the soggy rhetoric of high principle..." The fact that the talks took place at all is more important, the writer said, than "any progress or lack of it" reached in the Peking talks.

The independent *Canberra Times* ran the full text of the communique.

## Wellington: "Freer of Neurosis?"

New Zealand's *Dominion* of Wellington commended the decision to send senior officials to "reassure...worried friends." Noting that Assistant Secretary Green will come to Wellington, the editorial declared:

> "He should find New Zealand a good deal freer of the neurosis that grips those friends of America bordering on the Asian colossus whom they are now invited to accept as respectable.

> "Mr. Nixon's formula may invite risks. But then the status quo is full of them, and his may be no greater... New Zealand ought to be able to accept that, risky or not, the Nixon initiative, provided it is sensibly pursued, can offer a realistic way of escape from frozen and perilous attitudes."

## An Indian Commentary

All India Radio today in a lengthy commentary on the communique said that "a first look" is "bound to give the impression that the American President has yielded more than he gained. He has virtually abandoned Taiwan in spite of long-standing treaty relations with that territory, but has failed to extract any concessions from the Chinese about Vietnam." On subcontinent matters it stated:

> "What is really significant is that the communique gives no sign of accepting Islamabad's stand that Bangladesh is still a part of Pakistan.... By omitting any reference to Bangladesh, the Sino-U.S. communique tacitly accepts the reality. There is, thus, no reason left for Mr. Bhutto to go on harping on the myth of Pakistan unity and stalling talks with India."

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Peking Publishes Communique
---

Peking media continued their full and factual news treatment of the visit through publication of the joint communique and Mr. Nixon's departure. They have carried no comment on the trip. Available monitoring reports do not indicate that anti-U.S. polemics, suspended on the eve of the President's arrival, have yet resumed.

No Comment in Soviet Media
---

As of early this afternoon, Moscow media had not commented on the joint
communique, according to available monitoring reports, although a TASS
dispatch yesterday noted Mr. Kissinger's backgrounder for newsmen
concerning the communique. It quoted U.S. wire services as saying that
Mr. Nixon had told correspondents that "they had reached agreement with
the PRC leaders not to discuss the contents of the communique. This
means, the President explained, that the communique will be the only document
and that the subject of the talks will be held secret."

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