(6 of 8)
The point is not at all the establishment of diplomatic relations. The point is that attempts are being made to encourage in every way and to stimulate with economic bait and now, gradually, also with deliveries of modern weapons, materiel and military technology those who, while heading one of the biggest countries in the world, have openly declared their hostility to the cause of detente, disarmament and stability in the world, those who lay claims to the territories of many countries and stage provocations against them, those who have proclaimed war inevitable and mounted active preparations for war.
Is it really difficult to understand that this means playing with fire?
As for plans to use the Peking regime, which has gained in strength, as an instrument of NATO policy, to channel its belligerent cravings in the direction that suits the West—they are, pardon me, nothing more than presumptuous naivete. It is sufficient to recall what the Munich policy brought upon the Western powers. Can it be that the lessons of history are so quickly forgotten?
As to relations between the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China, we have neither territorial nor any other claims to that country, and we see no objective obstacles to re-establishing not merely good, but also friendly relations—provided, naturally, the stand of the P.R.C. becomes more reasonable and peaceful.
Now and again statements are heard from Peking alleging that the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual Assistance concluded in 1950 "has lost all significance," has become a "mere sheet of paper," and so on. Apparently the Chinese leaders are provoking us to abrogate this treaty. I can say that we shall not give in to provocation. We shall never tear up of our own will a document which epitomizes friendship between the peoples of the U.S.S.R. and China. But should the Peking leaders take such a step, they would have to bear the entire onus of responsibility before the people of their country, before the forces of peace and progress all over the world.
Q. Since we left New York City, dramatic events have taken place in Cambodia. How do you think they will affect relations with China?
A. The Kampuchean people have risen to fight a hateful regime, to fight a tyranny imposed on them from the outside. It's their right, and the Soviet public supports the just struggle of Kampuchea, led by the Front for National Salvation. The Soviet Union also supports the People's Revolutionary Council of Kampuchea, that is, the government backed by the broadest segments of the population.