Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXX, China

150. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson¹

Washington, May 17, 1966, 10 a.m.

Mr. President:

This recommendation from Secretary Rusk² is something of a landmark since it recommends to you that we begin to shift off our present policy toward Communist China in the UN, starting with talks in Taipei.

I have the following thoughts, aside from underlining the need for the highest degree of security:

1. On the domestic scene it would be helpful if General Eisenhower could be brought aboard at some appropriate stage. I believe he warned President Kennedy that this was the only issue in foreign policy where he might take out after him. If the facts were laid before him by Secretary Rusk, and you put the issue to him, it seems to me possible that—as in the case of birth control—he might shift his position.

2. We are putting a heavy burden on a new ambassador to ask McConaughy to take up this question with the Chinese on Formosa immediately after his arrival. In traditional oriental style, a shadow may lie across his term as ambassador, as a bringer of bad news. It may be wise to let Averell start the conversation. At least the question ought to be put to Secretary Rusk.

3. It may be wise to caution the Canadians hard against a leak, since we plan to tell them of our Taipei probe.

4. Before approving finally the Taipei probe, you may wish to have a final session walking around the problem.

Walt

Set up a meeting³

Let it go

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, United Nations. Top Secret. Copies were sent to Moyers and to Special Assistant to the President Robert E. Kintner.
2. Rusk’s May 14 memorandum (Document 149) was attached.
3. This option is checked on the source text.