Paris, 12 December 1972
5746. Secret Immediate
My Telegram 57471 Paragraph 4—China
Following is the text of the draft communique:—
Begins:—
‘Joint communique of the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Australian Government on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia.
The Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Australian Government, in conformity with the interests and the common desire of the two peoples, have decided upon mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The two Governments have agreed to develop their diplomatic relations, friendship and co–operation between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non–aggression, non–interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.
The Australian Government recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China, and acknowledges the position of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of the People’s Republic of China.
The Government of the People’s Republic of China appreciates the above stand of the Australian Government.
The two Governments have agreed through consultations to exchange ambassadors as soon as the administrative formalities and practical arrangements have been completed, and to provide each other with all the necessary assistance for the establishment and the performance of the functions of diplomatic missions in their respective capitals on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and in accordance with international law and practice’ .
Ends.
Renouf.
[NAA: A1838, 3107/38118/6, i]
1 Document 366.