260. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter1

SUBJECT

  • Technological Relationships with China

As you requested, Frank Press has provided you with an update on progress in scientific and technological relations with China (Tab A).2 In summary, we have made much progress in science and technology since Frank’s visit a year ago. We have leased the Chinese ships for offshore oil exploration, we are negotiating to sell them a communi [Page 917] cations satellite, and we are cooperating in many other areas including exchanges of students and scholars, industrial management, and health.

In addition to the Vice President’s signing of an agreement on cooperation in hydroelectric power as you have already approved, the plan for further steps over the next six months will include cooperation in the environment, transport, basic science, and the technical aspects of housing. You may want to scan Frank Press’ memorandum at Tab A.

Recommendation

That you approve the plan described in Frank Press’ memorandum (Tab A). All agencies concur.3

  1. Source: Carter Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box 21, PD/NSC 43. Confidential. Sent for action. A handwritten “C” at the top of the page indicates that Carter saw the memorandum.
  2. Tab A, Press’s July 27 memorandum, is printed as Document 257.
  3. Carter checked the Approve option and initialed “J.”