File No. 893.00/2787

The Chargé in China ( Spencer) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Present situation is that President Feng seemingly fully determined to resign and within a few days. The military clique plan to make Tuan Ch’i-jui Premier and also Acting President. Their present plan is to make Chang Tso-lin Governor of Chihli; Ni Shih-chung, Governor of Kiangsu, in place of Li Shun; Chang Huai-chih, Governor of Kiangsi, in place of Chen Kuang; Yuan Tso-kun, Governor of Hupeh, in place of Wang Chia-yuan; Chang Ching-yao, Governor of Hunan. Ts’ao K’un, the present Governor of Chihli, is reported to be angered at this program. He may possibly change sides and join Li Shun party. If the above is attempted, China will be hopelessly involved in civil war.

Spencer