U.S. lets China in on S.A.L.T., security

Press, 29 May 1978, Page 8

U.S. lets China in on S.A.L.T., security

NZPA Washington The American National Security Advisor (Zbigniew Brzezinski) and his aides have given Chinese officials an unprecedented, detailed briefing on the status of the Soviet-American Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, and explained at length the contents of some secret White House memoranda on American security goals. Administration officials, providing the first details of Mr Brzezinski’s trip to Peking last week, said the extensive discussions with the Chinese had amounted to the fullest consultations ever held with the Chinese since contacts were established in 1971.

Mr Brzezinski agreed with Chinese leaders not to. divulge the details of their discussions, but in an interview with the “New York Times,” he said: “The basic significance of the trip was to underline the long-term strategic nature of the United States’ relationship to China.” “It is based on certain congruence of fundamental interests,” he said, “and it reflects a mutual understanding that these interests are enduring.”

He said the visit was described by the Chinese as beneficial “and the words I used are useful, constructive, and important. I think that in itself is important.”

According to officials, Mr Brzezinski was eager to demonstrate that the United States and China had similar interests in opposing Soviet influence around the world. To demonstrate the willingness of the United States

to treat the Chinese on a more friendly basis, Mr Brzezinski in his opening 3|hour presentation to the Chinese . Foreign Minister (Huang Hua) gave a detailed review of the S.A.L.T., a disclosure that is sure to rankle the Russians. Meanwhile, Samuel Huntington, a key Brzezinski

aide, briefed Chinese officials on Presidential Review Memorandum 10, the Administration’s assessment of the world situation, a document that has not been made public. Mr Huntington also reviewed with the Chinese, Presidential Directive 18, which was the President’s security policy-implementing document. The directive has not been made public either.

Morton Abramowitz, a Defence Department expert on Asia, consulted with Chi-

nese Defence Ministry officials during the visit. Benhamin Huberman, Mr Brzezinski’s expert on technology, discussed with the Chinese the possibility of expanding technological exchanges. Richard Holebrooke, assistant secretary for East-Asian and Pacific affairs, discussed bi-lateral relations. Mr Brzezinski’s second day of talks with Mr Huang produced a 2|-hour assessment of the world situation from the Chinese Foreign Minister and a “one-hour response from Brzezinski.

Teng Hsiao-ping. China’s Deputy-Prime Minister, met Mr Brzezinski for 24 hours and attended a subsequent dinner. Then, Brzezinski had a 2J-hour conversation'with Chairman Hua Kuo-feng that included a masterful analysis of world affairs, according to American officials. Mr Brzezinski was reportedly very impressed with the dual presentations by Mr Teng and Mr Hua. The stated purpose of the visit was to discuss global issues, but Mr Brzezinski also had extensive talks on establishing normal diplomatic relations, which in effect raises the Taiwan question. But officials refused to provide details. The Chinese have said there could not be formal ties until the United States severed all military’ and diplomatic ties to the National Chinese on Taiwan. Washington until now has wanted some assurances that Peking would not try to take over Taiwan by force.