China Dispute

A Harvard China expert said yesterday he believes the recent dispute between Chiang Ching, Mao Tse Tung's widow, and the Politburo, the elite of the Central Committee, centered on control of the late chairman's security force and the right to edit his works.

(United Press International reported last night that the New China News Agency in Peking said Mao Tse-tung's widow Chiang Ching and "key radical elements" had been "liquidated." UPI report stated that it was unclear whether the China report meant the radicals had been killed.)

Roy M. Hofheinz Jr., professor of Government, said at a Dudley House luncheon that Chiang may have sought the help of a Peking garrison commander to consolidate her control, but that he chose to side with the Politburo.

Chiang also opposed the Politburo's decision to preserve Mao's body in a mausoleum, Hofheinz said. Mao allegedly had wanted his remains cremated because he believed hero worship would damage the self-confidence and self-reliance of the Chinese.