893.00/6–547: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 5—4:00 a.m.]
1216. At the regular weekly press conference held at the Ministry of Information on June 4, Dr. Hollington Tong, Director of Chinese Government Information Office, replied to questions as follows:
Query: “Why did the Government attach so much importance to the demonstrations and strikes scheduled for June 2?” and “Were the measures taken for their prevention justified?”
Answer: “According to Government Intelligence, a well-laid and dangerous plot was afoot to start nation-wide student demonstrations, labor strikes and riots in the country on June 2 with the object of provoking incidents that would lead to violence and bloodshed. Prompt measures were clearly called for. Three factors were largely responsible for aversion of the crisis, namely, (1) the timely display of sagacity on the part of students, (2) interference of local authorities, PPC members, and of the legislative and other public bodies, and (3) the prompt action taken by local authorities in rounding up the Communist agents and those who worked with them, either knowingly or unknowingly.”
Query: “What was the reaction to the allegation that Communists were behind the June 2 strike?”
Answer: “Communism thrives best where ideas are confused and where economic discontent is widespread. This has been especially true in countries which have been impoverished and weakened by the long and devastating war. The recent student demonstrations were strictly exploited by the Communists as a means for disturbing public order and undermining authority of the Government. June 2 was the day on which Chinese Communists launched their anti-civil war movement in Yenan last year.”
Query: “Was the local authorities’ policy of rounding up alleged Communist agents approved by the Executive Yuan?” and “Will the arrested students and reporters be given public trial?”
Answer: “Following the breakdown of Government–Communist negotiations, all Communists were ordered to return to Communist headquarters not later than March 5. Local authorities, therefore, do not have to seek the approval of the Executive Yuan for rounding up Communist agents. The 10 students and reporters arrested will be given fair hearings.”
Query: “In what areas have most of the arrests taken place?”
Answer: “There have been arrests in widely separated areas in connection recent student activities. In Shanghai about 80 Communists [Page 166] and Communist agents, students and reporters were rounded up as of this morning. However, in Hankow, more than 50 students arrested have been released.”