893.00/13763: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 14—3:27 p.m.]
608. 1. Chinese officials interviewed today appear to be in a very confused state of mind regarding events in Shensi, and are apparently without information except that which comes from Nanking. It is very evident that at least some of them have come to the conclusion that Chiang Kai Shek is dead although they have no direct information to sustain that conclusion. Information coming from Nanking seems to indicate that Chiang is alive but it is pointed out that some significance may be attached to the fact that no direct word seems to have been received from him by the Chinese officials and that there has been a reorganization of the Military Council at Nanking.
2. A well-informed foreigner (See first paragraph Embassy’s despatch No. 869, November 1898) gives it as his opinion that the present move has been in contemplation for some time between Chang Hsueh Liang and a number of his commanders and that it is designed to force Chiang Kai Shek’s hand for the formation of a constitutional government with all factions participating and with a united front against the Japanese. He believes that there is little foundation for the report that Chang Hsueh Liang will attempt to establish a separate government in the northwest.
3. It is well known that Chang Hsueh Liang’s troops have for a year been subjected to nationalistic propaganda of Chinese Communism. In November, before the capture of Pailingmiao from the irregulars, Chang proposed to Chiang that the Northeastern troops should be despatched to the Suiyuan front to resist the irregulars, but Chiang refused the request as premature. Previously the animosity between the two men had been increased as a result of ill-feeling between Chang and Yang Yung Tai (Chiang’s right hand man, the Governor of Hupeh, recently assassinated).
The recent convocation of high officials at Sian was for the nominal [Page 421] purpose of discussing the proposal for direct united action of all Chinese factions against Japan, but at the meeting Chiang is said to have adopted a strong attitude against Chang and all proposals for military action against Japan in conjunction with the Communist forces. A Northeastern army man is quoted as stating that the Chang Hsueh Liang group reached the final decision that Chiang Kai Shek actually has an agreement with Japan, that Chiang intended to eliminate Chang and the Northeastern troops from the scene, and that with consolidation of his power Chiang would have definitely joined the so-called Fascist front of Japan, Germany and Italy. The convocation of many important Nanking officials at Sian offered the desired opportunity, and the demonstration of December 9 (See Embassy’s telegram No. 604, December 13, 1 p.m.) provided the immediate stimulus. A certain unit of Chang’s troops sometime subsequently is reported to have surrounded Chiang’s place of residence, and some fighting is said to have occurred before his bodyguard surrendered. (Some reports have it that all of the bodyguard were killed). One local newspaper reports that more than 50 important figures of Chiang’s group were taken in custody including Yu Hsueh Chung.99
Student organizations meeting yesterday in Peiping declared themselves as definitely opposed to civil war while they declared themselves in favor of propositions similar to those allegedly announced by Chang Hsueh Liang. At the same time it is announced that Sung Che Yuan, Han Fu Chu and Yen Hsi Shan have already issued a joint statement to the effect that they are opposed to civil war and to alliance with the Communists.
A telegram sent by Feng Yu Hsiang to Chang is couched in conciliatory terms. It requests the release [of] Chiang Kai Shek in return for which hostages will be sent “as guarantee” if necessary, suggests that Chang’s proposals would thereupon receive adequate consideration and promises that the telegram castigating Chang and relieving him of his posts would be withdrawn if Chang accepts the proposals.
4. The immediate objective of the Chinese officials judging by press reports is to obtain the release of Chiang Kai Shek, the suppression of the rebellion and the discussion of demands being a secondary consideration.
5. Tientsin reports that freight service is practically suspended on Tientsin-Pukow and Lunghai lines to give way to transportation of troops (presumably westward).
By mail to Tokyo.