Secretary Kissinger: We're not making any threats.
We agree there should be dialogue. But I think for leaders who were on the Long March, they will not believe that conversation in the abstract will solve problems. Before the consumers talk to the producers, we think it is important for the consumers to know what they want and to adopt a comparable position. So we're attempting to organize the consumers precisely so they can have a dialogue in which they can speak with something like a common voice.
We believe it is also important that Japan and Europe should not be left in positions where they feel their future is in the hands of forces totally outside their control.
But our basic approach to the producers will be consiliatory. And we will agree to the French proposal provided there is prior consultation among the consumers.
Vice Premier Teng: I don't believe we can give you good suggestions on this question.
Secretary Kissinger: But we want you to understand our position. There will not be American military moves on the question of oil prices -- or military threats.
Vice Premier Teng: For us, China cannot be considered one of the producing countries, because the oil we produce is very little and we produce just enough for our own consumption. And we can't be considered an oil-consuming country. And even if we speak on this issue, I don't think the oil producers will listen to us.
Secretary Kissinger: We don't ask you to speak; we want you to understand. There may be an occasion when visitors come here, but we're not asking you.
Vice Premier Teng: Whenever visitors ask us, we give the same answer. We want the method of dialogue.
Secretary Kissinger: That is our approach.
Vice Premier Teng: As for food, we don't have anything to say.
Secretary Kissinger: I don't think this is an issue between us.
TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE/EXCLUSIVELY EYES ONLY
