893.00/15420
The Consul at Kweilin (Ringwalt) to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)33
Sir: I have the honor to refer to this Consulate’s airgram A–20, November 9, 6 p.m., 1943,34 in which it was reported that Marshal Li Chi-shen, then Chairman of the Kweilin Office of the Central Military Affairs Commission, was negotiating for an understanding between the various military commanders in South China for a plan of concerted action in the event of the collapse of the Central Government. During the past few months these negotiations, in which the Federation of Democratic Parties has assumed a leading role, have made considerable progress, and it is hoped to call a convention of dissident groups and interests in Chengtu on October 10, 1944, the Chinese national holiday.
Summary: Marshal Li Chi-shen and the Federation of Democratic Parties have made considerable progress in their plan to unite all dissident groups in China in a political program to be placed into effect in the event of the collapse of the Chungking regime. A preliminary meeting, which it is hoped will be the forerunner of a People’s Conference, is planned for October 10, 1944, at Chengtu. The chief function of the Conference will be to call into being a Government of National Defense to unite the country in the prosecution of the war against Japan. This government, which will be only provisional in character, will be under the direction of some nationally known and respected leader yet to be selected. Democratic principles [Page 415] of government will be introduced as rapidly as is consonant with national welfare. Members of the Communist party have not been consulted, but after the new government is formed they, as well as members of the Kuomintang, will be asked to participate therein. The political platform includes a trend away from over-centralization, the release of political prisoners, the abolition of political police, and the continued close cooperation with the United States. Although the Chungking authorities may attempt secretly to hinder the movement, they will not feel strong enough openly to oppose it.
[Here follows detailed report.]
The sponsors of the Government of National Defense are aware of the tremendous obstacles to be overcome before their plan can be nurtured to fruition. It would indeed be difficult to imagine a more heterogeneous group of feudal barons and radicals, idealists and practical politicians, than may be found in this group whose only common ground is hatred of Japan and dissatisfaction with the Central Government. Nevertheless, the mere fact that such an ambitious plan is even being attempted is indicative of the fundamental weakness of the Chungking octopus, which may soon be unable to offer more than token resistance, military or political, to any concerted movement for its overthrow. In the opinion of this Consulate, the approaching collapse of the present regime should not be regarded as an unmitigated evil.
Respectfully yours,
- Copy transmitted to the Department; received June 2.↩
- Not printed, but see despatch No. 1829, November 18, 1943, from the Ambassador in China, Foreign Relations, 1943, China, p. 380.↩