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With regard to the proposals made by the National Committee, the Committee has accepted the Chinese proposal with respect to the amateur track and field team but is in the process of determining whether or not it could go. As I understand it, that has not been clarified. Here again, with respect to National Committee, I think there were three proposals for American groups to go to China and two with respect to Chinese groups going to the United States. Again, the suggestion was made that we achieve numerical reciprocity and that would mean one more group from China. It was suggested that a group of Chinese municipal officials visit the United States, or a visit by a delegation of the Institute of Foreign Affairs. The municipal officials group was on the 1974 list but was not implemented. I think that covers those items in which preliminary discussion has already taken place, and I would be interested in any reaction Mr. Lin may have with regard to these cultural exchanges. |
| Lin: | Would it not be better if you go on and finish the second aspect of the question and then we shall exchange our views? |
| Habib: | I will do it any way you wish. As you will recall, we have discussed the desirability of having some of our Congressional groups come to China and you have in the past been forthcoming in this regard. This has been very helpful to the general thrust of our policies, which is mutually desirable.
I might say this has produced a remarkable friendly reaction to your hospitality which has become renown among these groups, but in addition, it has produced a serious understanding which is also desirable. Your hospitality and the interest with which these Committees have been discovering your country is reflected in some requests which we have now received. The Appropriations Sub-Committee of the House of Representatives has dealings with our State Department appropriations. The Chairman of this Committee has spoken to us of his desire and that of the members of the Sub-Committee to visit the People's Republic of China. This Committee is of particular |
