176. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson1
Washington, August 30, 1966, 1:15 p.m.
Mr. President.
This Hong Kong analysis of the ChiCom political scene is a bit long-winded, but worth reading given the importance of the subject.2
In brief:
- 1.
- Mao has chosen Lin Piao as his successor.
- 2.
- Together they are determined to set up a power structure, via the Army, which will override the moderate opposition in the Party and the bureaucracy, as well as in intellectual life.
- 3.
- It is not certain that Lin Piao will be able to consolidate his position as Mao’s successor.
- 4.
- If he does consolidate his position, he’s bad news.
Walt
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, China, Vol. VII. No classification marking. A handwritten “L” on the source text indicates that it was seen by the President.↩
- A typed copy of telegram 1392 from Hong Kong, August 30, is attached but not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 15–1 CHICOM)↩