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Recommended Position: **Communist China**

1. The issue of relations with Communist China is usually posed in two categories: (a) recognition; (b) admission to the U.N. Both put the cart before the horse.

2. A number of nations have learned that recognition does not guarantee good relations with Communist China. India, the Soviet Union, Burma, and Britain have not been able to escape humiliation and tension by the fact of recognition.

As for membership in the U.N., Communist China has demanded the expulsion of Taiwan as a condition of its entry. This condition must remain unacceptable to the U.S.

3. At the same time, Communist China is a major fact of international life, especially in Asia. We should not encourage the capacity for self-isolation. On the contrary, we should seek to establish communications with Communist China

on two levels: (a) contact between the peoples of the U.S. and Mainland China; (b) diplomatic contact with Mainland China.

4. With respect to people-to-people contact, we should remember that as an open society we are relying on our special strengths.

We can afford lower barriers to encourage exchanges of scientists, educators, journalists, and businessmen.

5. As to diplomatic contacts the existing bilateral talks in Warsaw should be used as a point of departure for wider ranging exploration. In the triangular relationships

2

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between Moscow, Peking, and Washington the chances of
peace are increased as we are able to develop policy
options towards both Communist powers.

6. We should engage in such contacts without illusion: We cannot take over the responsibility for bringing Mainland China into a more normal and communicative relationship with the community of nations; she must bring herself out of the isolation which is principally self-imposed. But we can do more to advance the day when China will be able to recognize that it is in her interest to join in rational and constructive relationships with the outside world.

7. In short we have a dual task with respect to Mainland China:
(a) we must make clear the hazards and risks of aggression and intransigence; (b) we must encourage Communist China to play a role in a peaceful and progressive order in Asia, in which her own security would not be threatened and her legitimate interests would be represented.

8. The U.S. should re-examine its policy on U.N. membership for Mainland China. Our primary long-term aim should be to protect the continued membership of Nationalist China. Other nations of the U.N. who so desire can pursue membership for Mainland China. We must be prepared for the time when Communist China is able and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership in the U.N.