893.00/6–844
The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Penfield) to the Secretary of State 75
[Received June 30.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a memorandum76 containing the substance comments on the Chinese political situation made to me in conversation to-day by General Liu Wen-hui, Chairman of the Sikang Provincial Government, who is here temporarily en route back to Sikang after a visit to Chungking. The tone of General Liu’s remarks was decidedly critical of the Central Government and he was openly pessimistic regarding the possibilities of a settlement of the Communist problem and the institution of a more “democratic” form of government in China.
General Liu is regarded locally as perhaps the cleverest of the Szechwan war lords and the one in the strongest position, geographically and militarily, vis-à-vis the Central Government. He has also been mentioned as a possible collaborator with “small party” elements in political and/or military activities directed against the Central Government (my despatch no. 23, May 30, 1944, “‘Small Party’ Political Activity at Chengtu”). In the light of these circumstances his views, although they are not novel or startling, take on added interest.
Respectfully yours,