CONFIDENTIAL
Zhou Enlai, and one of those who pushed strongly for
Deng's return to power. Although criticised by Red
Guards during the Cultural Revolution he did not lose any
of his positions. He is now the leader with the longest
continuous membership of the Politburo (since 1969).
4. He is a rather dour character, but can become quite
animated when discussing subjects of particular interest,
such as the strengths and weaknesses of the Chinese armed
forces and the character of the Chinese farmer.
5. Over the last few years he has suffered ill health
(including an eye operation and a hip injury in 1985).
When well, he likes to walk 2 miles at 6.30 every
morning.
6. In 1985 he travelled to Burma and Thailand; Canada
and the US, and Malta, Spain and Portugal and in 1986
visited Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Somalia and
Madagascar. Ill health has prevented him travelling
recently.
7. His wife, Lin Jiamei, seldom appears in public,
though she accompanied him on his tour of Africa and Asia
in 1986. In the 1970s, she was in charge of the
Department of Health of Women and Young Children, under
the Public Health Ministry.
FC6AAM
CONFIDENTIAL
Page 45Page 46