New York, June 28—Flashback. July 15, 1971. The living room of the Governor of California, whose wife and four guests are sprawled about the room to hear President Nixon’s announcement, billed as of historic consequence. Nixon comes on, announces he will go to China. But, in obvious reference to Taiwan, reaffirms his ties to our “allies.” Damn well should, said the Governor of California, as his guests moved in for dinner.
October 11, 1971. The Governor of California is in Taipei, before going on to Singapore, Bangkok, Saigon, Seoul, and Tokyo. Before a large audience, he publicly proclaims the United States’ continuing military commitment to Nationalist Chinese independence—“in full force.” In making this pledge, he is carrying out instructions of the President of the United States, Mr. Nixon, who supplied the airplane, the staff, and the mandate.
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