Paris, 19 December 1972
5871. Secret Immediate
My telegram 58701 —China
Following is text of the draft communique as agreed ad referendum (underlined two) 19 December:
Begins:—
‘Joint communique of the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Australian Government concerning 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 common desire of the two peoples, have decided upon mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations as from …
The two Governments agreed to develop diplomatic relations, friendship and co–operation between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual recognition for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non–aggression, non–interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co–existence.
The Australian Government recognises the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, acknowledges the position of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of the People’s Republic of China, and has decided to remove its official representation from Taiwan by …
The Government of the People’s Republic of China appreciates the above stand of the Australian Government.
The two Governments have agreed 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, ii]
1 Document 373.