The letter addresses developments in the relationship between the two German states and the prospect of reunification. It describes the political climate in West Germany towards reunification as hesitant, if not reluctant, and voices concerns over the destabilizing potential of such efforts.

Zhao Ziyang and Honecker discuss economic and political reforms in China, bilateral relations between China and East Germany, attempts to reduce nuclear and chemical weapons stockpiles, and China's attitudes toward the Iran-Iraq War, Japan, the United States, and the Soviet Union.

Summary of a June 17, 1961 meeting between Algeria (represented by General Secretary Belhocine and Head of Bureau Waker) and East Germany (represented by Ambassador to Arab States, Kiesewetter). The two sides discuss the suspension of the Evian negotiations between France and Algeria, East Germany's assistance for Algerian refugees in Morocco, and GDR-Algerian governmental relations. Ambassador Kiesewetter also expresses GDR's desire to peacefully coexist with West Germany in Berlin.

M. Jacques Roux describes and compares West German-East German relations and China-Taiwan relations, reporting that, as Beijing opens up with Western countries, it is concurrently demanding that they break relations with Taipei.