1971 Press Photo Defense Sec. Melvin Laird at news conference, Washington DC

Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird tells a Washington news conference late Sunday the United States must continue to build militarily even while seeking to normalize United States - China relations through President Richard Nixon's trip to Peking. Laird met with newsmen briefly after returning to Washington from a 17 day trip to Japan and South Korea.

Photo is dated 1971.

Photo measures 8 x 10.5 inches.