893.00/8–2046: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State

1337. Kunming’s 78, August 14 repeated for Department’s information:71

“Following is summary of Central News release, dated August 14, carried in all Kunming papers.

After considering documentary evidence forwarded by Yunnan garrison headquarters, Ku Chu-tung72 decided culprit of Wen I-to73 assassination was military man and therefore must be tried by martial law. Yunnan Provincial Self Protection Corps and Kunming 13th Gendarmerie Regiment have designated representatives to organize court and set time for trials. Have already received permission from Central Government to proceed. They will invite central and local government organizations of Kunming, ‘all classes of people’s opinion organizations’, judicial organizations and Democratic League representatives to attend trials.

Li Kung-pu74 case culprit not yet caught. Safety and peace organizations cautioned to try utmost to also solve Li case.”

Stuart
  1. For report on the situation at Kunming, see despatch No. 22, August 2, from the Ambassador in China, vol. ix, p. 1440.
  2. Commander of the Chinese Armed Forces.
  3. Influential intellectual in Yunnan educational circles.
  4. Member of the Democratic League and interested in mass education movements.