893.00/15006
The Chargé in China (Vincent) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 6.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of despatch no. 66 of April 9, 1943, from the American Consul at Kunming.53 While there is some doubt in official circles in Chungking whether General Lung Yun will be replaced as Chairman of the Yunnan Provincial Government, there is no questioning the fact that National Government influence, in political as well as military affairs, is now controlling in Yunnan. The actual power in the province has passed into the hands of General Ch’en Ch’eng, supreme military commander in the area and long-time close associate of Generalissimo Chiang. From the standpoint of unity in China and prosecution of the war this is a favorable development. The transition has been gradual and peaceful and the rumored resignation of Lung Yun, if it becomes effective, will cause no serious trouble. I am informed that the National Government does not intend to interfere in local administrative matters except in so far as immediate political and military needs require.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩