A rich three-cornered discussion, ranging widely in time and space. As Mr. Buckley frames the question, "The shibboleth requires that we normalize [relations with the People's Republic of China], and in order to normalize we're supposed to do something abnormal, specifically to rend our diplomatic and military ties with a faithful ally." Mr. Barnett accepts the challenge: "I would say what is abnormal is that for 28 years we have still not fully accepted that the government in Peking is the government of China.... In effect we are compelled by both sides in the ... Chinese civil war, which is not formally ended, to decide which one we regard as the most important." Mr. Elegant poses a ground-clearing question: "I mean, what is the purpose of normalization?" WFB: "Normality." RE: "Normality.... It seems to me that in foreign policy you're looking for a positive result from an action.... It seems to me rather pointless to take an action unless you have some idea as to what consequences are likely to grow from it."