893.00/5–2645
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Everett F. Drumright of the Division of Chinese Affairs
Following are highlights of remarks made by Dr. Frank Price, an American missionary who is “private adviser” to the Generalissimo and adviser to the Chinese delegation to the UNCIO Conference,53 to Mr. Meyer and Mr. Drumright in the course of a conversation held on May 25, 1945.
General Conditions in China. After reaching a low in November 1944, there has been a remarkable change for the better in general conditions in China, other than those of an economic character. Under the new Minister of War, General Chen Cheng, army reforms have [Page 393] been particularly striking and the Chinese army may yet prove to be a valuable asset in driving the Japanese from China.
General Wedemeyer. The sending of General Wedemeyer to China was a master stroke on the part of the United States. In addition to possessing great military ability, General Wedemeyer has been able to obtain the full confidence and liking of the Generalissimo and General Chen Cheng. In consequence, there is at present full cooperation between the American and Chinese military authorities. This new spirit of cooperation is bearing fruit in the form of reorganization and rejuvenation of the Chinese army and its conversion into a striking force for future offensive operations against the Japanese in China. General Hurley and Donald Nelson have also made deep and favorable impressions on the Generalissimo by virtue of their open, sympathetic and warm-hearted attitudes. The Generalissimo is now convinced that the United States is determined to render him all possible assistance and cooperation in the prosecution of the war; he entertains no fear of ulterior motives on the part of the United States.
Chiang Kai-shek. The Generalissimo’s health is much improved. He is full of spirit and once again is able to make quick decisions. His mental processes are becoming much more flexible as he grows older. He is also mellowing. He is also becoming more liberal in his outlook and appears to be relying less and less on the ultra-conservative groups in the Kuomintang for support and guidance.
The Generalissimo often speaks affectionately of Madam Chiang and voices the wish that she were in Chungking to offer him advice and assistance. The Generalissimo has remarked that Madam Chiang knows his thought processes as no other person does and that she is the best interpreter he ever had.
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Madam Chiang Kai-shek. Madam Chiang is still a very sick woman. She is virtually in seclusion. Unfortunately, Dr. and Madam H. H. Kung are trying to keep her secluded and under their control presumably for their own purposes. It is not known when and if Madam Chiang may return to China.
Dr. H. H. Kung. Dr. and Madam Kung still are endeavoring to maintain the former’s influence and power in China. Dr. Kung, who was very much disappointed that he was not selected to head the Chinese delegation to San Francisco, plans to return to China at an early date. He obviously hopes to persuade the Generalissimo to return him to a position of power and responsibility. But Dr. Kung’s prestige and influence are virtually nil among the Chinese people, and it would be very unfortunate if the Generalissimo permitted him to return to a position of authority.
[Page 394]Yunnan. The situation in Yunnan is fraught with difficulties. Although Lung Yun, the Provincial Chairman, professes to cooperate with the National Government, in reality he is obstructive and is motivated by a desire to maintain Yunnan as his own satrapy. Although Ho Ying-chin is undoubtedly a liability to the Generalissimo, he is probably best fitted to attempt to control Lung Yun. It would not be surprising if the Generalissimo took drastic measures to bring Yunnan under complete National Government control if and when he feels it opportune to do so.
The Communist Problem. The Generalissimo is patient in his dealings with the Communists and still hopes for a peaceful solution. Indeed, he is much too moderate in the eyes of the ultra-conservative elements of the Kuomintang in his attitude toward the Communists and they are very restive and continually putting pressure on him to resort to drastic measures. But the Generalissimo is not likely to resort to extreme measures so long as there is a chance for a peaceful solution. The Generalissimo is leaning more and more on his liberal advisers for guidance in dealing with the Communists. Contrary to popular impression, General Chang Chih-chung is displaying an objective attitude in regard to the Communists. Dr. Wang Shih-chieh, who with General Chang, has been the chief government negotiator in the conversations with the Communists, also entertains moderate views vis-à-vis the Communists. There is a growing feeling among General Chiang and his followers that they must clearly demonstrate to the Chinese people the superior quality of their government if they are to retain power in China against the Communists. There is a very vocal demand in Chungking official circles for thoroughgoing administrative and military reforms and for liberalization of Kuomintang policies.
National Assembly. The Generalissimo has been forced by pressure of public opinion to recommend the holding of the National Assembly in November of this year, although he is said to feel that owing to war conditions and the partial control of the country by the enemy the holding of the Assembly at that time is premature. It is obviously impossible to hold elections all over China to select delegates to the Assembly. For this reason it will be impossible to constitute a representative Assembly. The Generalissimo is said to hope for Communist representation at the Assembly and steps will probably be taken to welcome no-party representation and representatives of minor party groups. The main function of the National Assembly will be to draft and promulgate a constitution and to provide the means whereby constitutional government may be initiated. If the Communists, as now seems indicated, refuse to participate in the National Assembly, a strong effort will be made to effect a close alignment with all non-Communist groups and thus present a solid front to the Communists.
[Page 395]Sino-Russian Relations. The Generalissimo is said to desire to bring about clarification and improvement of Sino-Russian relations and proposes in this connection to send T. V. Soong to Moscow to hold conversations with Stalin and Molotov. The Chinese seek above all to have a reaffirmation of Soviet commitments to respect China’s sovereignty and to refrain from intervention in China’s internal affairs. They will probably be agreeable to granting Russia certain economic concessions in Manchuria but not on a basis that would impair China’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Comment: Dr. Price has been in close touch with the Generalissimo for about ten years. He has lived in China for more than twenty years and has an intimate knowledge of the Chinese language and people. He is unquestionably a man of integrity and is believed to maintain an objective point of view. By virtue of his close association with the Generalissimo, he is obviously in a position to interpret the Generalissimo’s point of view and also to exercise an influence on him.
Dr. Price stated in confidence that three years ago he had rejected an invitation to become the Generalissimo’s private adviser. He said that the Generalissimo had recently renewed the invitation and that after much thought and some misgivings he had accepted the offer. He said that recently he had seen the Generalissimo two or three times each week and that he often had dinner with the Generalissimo at which no other persons were present, and that they engaged in long uninhibited conversations on a wide range of subjects. He said that the Generalissimo has an inquiring mind and is very receptive to plain talk and advice. Dr. Price said that he got very little of either from his Chinese colleagues who are obsequious in the presence of the Generalissimo.
Dr. Price appears to feel convinced that under the new conditions said to exist at Chungking, there is much hope for China’s resurgence under the leadership of the Generalissimo. It is possible of course that Dr. Price’s conviction is colored by his associations with the Generalissimo. Dr. Price stated with emphasis, however, that he would continue his present relations with the Generalissimo only so long as the latter refrained from the adoption and carrying out of “reactionary” programs and policies.
- United Nations Conference on International Organization, San Francisco.↩