CAMP DAVID, Md. -- President Nixon today issued an order easing restrictions on American ships and aircraft desiring to travel to mainland China.
Under the amended regulations, U.S. ships would be free to call at Chinese ports if they could get permission from Peking. Airlines still would require additional authorization.
Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler announced the change, saying it reflected Nixon's intention to review exiting restriction with trade and travel in China in an effort to broaden "opportunities for contacts between the Chinese and American people."
In effect, Nixon's order removes the legal prohibition on travel to China by planes and U.S. flag vessels.
In the case of airlines, all visits by U.S. aircraft will continue to require a special, validated license from the Department of Commerce. Ziegler pointed out, however, that several U.S. airlines no have U.S. authorization to fly charter flys into China.
