Lin then discussed Congressional visits, saying that the visits are of some help in promoting understanding and are in the spirit of the Shanghai Communique. He said the Chinese are willing to receive another Congressional group in 1975, totaling 15 persons, including both Congressmen and Congresswomen. Because of limited facilities, the PRC cannot meet all Congressional requests.
Lin then launched into a fairly lengthy discussion of numerical reciprocity, his main point being that numerical reciprocity is a good general principle, need not be strictly observed in anyone year. (He cited statistics for 1973-75, designed to show that for this period as a whole, there was in fact approximate numerical reciprocity.) Moreover, it should be looked at in terms of the U.S. and Chinese sides, not taking into account any particular organization. There are many U.S. organizations, the CSC, the NC, and the NCUSCT, as well as delegations sponsored by none of these organizations (apparently a reference to Congressional visits, etc.).
Lin said Habib's suggestions regarding Congressional groups, White House Fellows and environmental delegations will be referred to the appropriate Chinese organizations for their consideration.
Lin said Habib had mentioned possible difficulty in sending an amateur track and field team. This was on the 1974 list, but was cancelled by the NC. The NC proposed it again for 1975, the Chinese gave their approval, and the NC raised no disagreement. The Chinese would like to know as soon as possible if a track and field team will be sent to China.
Lin said that the petrochemical, automation and communications delegations are obviously scientific and technical since they were included in the list of scientific and technical exchanges. The scientific and technical exchanges should not be limited to seminars; some should also visit sites. It is therefore hard to understand why the U.S. side raised the question; the question does not arise.
In responding to these remarks, Habib first said he would convey the Chinese appreciation to the U.S. organizations, and asked that Lin also convey our appreciation to the appropriate Chinese organizations.
SECRET/NODIS
