WASHINGTON (AP)  Amid a discussion of trade in 1973, Chairman Mao Zedong made what Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger called a novel proposition: sending tens of thousands, even 10 million, Chinese women to the United States. "You know, China is a very poor country," Mao said, according to a document released by the State Department's historian office. "We don't have much. What we have in excess is women. So if you want them we can give a few of those to you, some tens of thousands." A few minutes later, Mao circled back to the offer. "Do you want our Chinese women?" he asked. "We can give you 10 million." After Kissinger noted Mao was "improving his offer," the chairman said, "We have too many women ... They give birth to children and our children are too many." "It is such a novel proposition," Kissinger replied in his discussion with Mao in Beijing. "We will have to study it." Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Enlarge By AFP/Getty Images This file photo taken on November 24, 1973 shows Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, right, meeting with Chinese President Mao Zedong in Beijing. The Chinese leader proposed sending 10 million Chinese women to the United States, according to documents released this week. Conversation guidelines: USA TODAY welcomes your thoughts, stories and information related to this article. Please stay on topic and be respectful of others. Keep the conversation appropriate for interested readers across the map.