NEXT STEPS TOWARD THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-533-6-24-7
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: December 8, 2010
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: April 19, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/12/08: LOC-HAK-533-6-24-7 _-7 , A.S~5-47-
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL C (- a? k tej
WASHINGTON; D.C. 20506
TOP SECRET
National Security Study Memorandum 124
TO: The Secretary of State r
The Secretary of Defense
The Director of Central Intelligence
i
April 19, 1971
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE INSTRUCTIONS
APPLY
DOS, OSD Reviews
Completed
SUBJECT: Next Steps Toward the People's Republic of China
The President has directed a study of possible diplomatic initiatives which
the United States might take toward the People's Republic of China (PRC)
with the objective of furthering the improvement of relations. These
initiatives should explore the degree to which it is possible to build on
recent progress. They should be put into the context of our relations
towards other countries, especially the USSR and Japan.
The analysis of each possible diplomatic initiative should include:
-- the objectives of the initiative;
-- anticipated reaction or response by the PRC:
-- the advantages and disadvantages of the initiative;
-- an assessment of the possible effects on our relations with and the
anticipated reactions of the Government of the Republic of China
(GRC), the USSR, Japan and other nations as appropriate;
an illustrative scenario by which the initiative could be pursued.
The initiatives should be placed into various groups of increasing scope and
also include consideration of appropriate arms control measures included
in the ongoing studies provided for by NSSMs 69 and 106 on this subject.
The study should assume that there will be no change in our policy of
recognition of or support for the Government of the Republic of China.
The President has directed that this study be prepared on a priority, basis
by the NSC Interdepartmental Group for East Asia and be submitted to the
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs by May 15, 1971,
for consideration by the Senior Review Group.
cc: Chairman, Joint chiefs of Staff
TOP SECRET
?_ No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/12/08: LOC-HAK-533-6-24-7