Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–12, Documents on East and Southeast Asia, 1973–1976

213. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford, Washington, October 19, 1975.¹ ²

Washington, October 19, 1975

THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON

October 19, 1975

MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
FROM: BRENT SCOWCROFT [BS initialed]

The following is a report from Secretary Kissinger of his conversations with the Japanese:

1. I had a very productive and cordial one hour forty minute working breakfast with Japanese Foreign Minister Miyazawa this morning. The warmth and candor of the session once again demonstrated that our bilateral relations are in excellent shape, as well as reflecting greater self-assurance on the part of the Japanese and Miyazawa personally.

2. He began with effusive thanks for the American reception of the Emperor and emphasized that your personal style was a major factor. I replied that the interest and receptivity of the American public was due to their high regard for Japan and the solid state of our relationship.

3. I previewed your trip and mine to China, reiterating their desire to receive you whether or not there is progress on Taiwan. He said that they had advanced with the Chinese on their peace and friendship treaty negotiations; the Japanese were now searching for language that would oppose hegemony, as the Chinese want, without this being directed against particular countries or implying joint action. I explained our policy toward the Soviets as I have also explained it to the Chinese, namely that we must demonstrate to the American people that all peaceful routes are being explored in order to rally domestic support for resistance to Soviet pressures when required.

4. On Korea, I attempted to cool off Japanese urging of our establishing bilateral contacts with North Korea. I pointed out that reports to this effect (the Japanese press has been alive with speculation) could undermine our position at the United Nations. We compared voting estimates on the New York situation, agreeing that we probably have the votes to pass our resolution but not to defeat the hostile resolution. I urged intensified Japanese efforts on this, and we are redoubling our own. I said that after the UN vote we would explore possible forums on the Korean question and were flexible on details except the requirement that South Korea be present.

5. The Japanese agreed with us that Canada should be at the Economic Summit. I said we would go back to Giscard on this now that he has left Moscow.

6. Miyazawa was very relaxed about our impending grain deal with the Soviets, fully understanding that it was to their advantage that we control the extreme yearly fluctuations in Soviet demand on our market. I reiterated Secretary Butz’s assurances to the Japanese on meeting their traditional requirements.

7. The Japanese confirmed that they would be increasing their oil imports from China in order to diversify their sources. It would remain a small percentage of their requirements, however, because of its paraffin content. It would constitute about 10 percent of China’s production and the bulk of its exports.

8. We also touched briefly on the Middle East and Southeast Asia where our perceptions were largely similar.

9. On my way back from China, I will be seeing Prime Minister Miki and Miyazawa, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Fukuda and Finance Minister Ohira.

1. Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Trip Briefing Books and Cables for HAK, Kissinger Trip File, Box 15, 10/19–23/75, People’s Republic of China, TOSEC (5). Secret. Ford initialed this memorandum. A memorandum of conversation of Kissinger’s meeting is in National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P-820123–2431. Kissinger stopped in Tokyo en route to a meeting with Mao in Beijing.
2. Scowcroft forwarded Kissinger’s report on his October 19 meeting with Miyazawa.