893.00/9–2547: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 27—10:47 a.m.]
280. Two reasons for Chen Cheng coming northeast. First, to suppress Communists. Second, to suppress mounting momentum of northeastern Mobilization Commission movement calling for “north for northeasterners”. Source thinks second reason most important factor Chen’s assignment Generalissimo worried about reports received growing demand among northeasterners for return Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang. Several generals who displayed sympathy to northeastern people’s movement already sent out of northeast by Chen.
One of the first actions taken by Chen upon arrival in northeast was proscription military units not approved by Nationalist Government, and prohibition recruiting of troops without Nationalist approval. Believe no military force not strictly controlled and of unquestioned loyalty to Generalissimo and his followers will be allowed exist in northeast. Believed General Ma Chan-shan will never be given troops to command. Group of northeasterners who have organized into unit called “Northeast Mobilization Commission”, led by Wang Wa-yi, member People’s Political Council, being closely watched by Chen. Organization too powerful to be overtly opposed by Chen. This group offered mobilize northeasterners into semi-national guard unit to fight Communists. Nationalist Government fearful this organization backed by military forces will become too powerful and force Nationalists accede demands of northeasterners. Therefore offer refused and Chen will make certain they have no military power. Organization also being fought by Nationalists who have appointed key organization members to Government jobs and then insisted appointee resign from organization. Wang offered important job by Chen on direct order of Generalissimo and refused job because knew acceptance would force resignation from commissioner.
[Page 293]Chen’s attitude towards this organization, which obviously reflects Nanking attitude, exceedingly important at present time.
Rumored Chen will be relieved position chief [of] staff, Ministry National Defense, to allow him devote entire attention to northeast. Common feeling once this done he will be on his own and will no longer receive support in way of reinforcements and equipment now getting.
Elements within Whampoa military clique also starting covert movement against Chen. Movement led by Tu Yu-ming and Hsiung Shi-hui. Chen also stated disliked by Chang Chun. Consolidation NECC and PNEH engineered by Chen. Reported not to have been ordered by Generalissimo until pressure to do so brought on him by Chen. Chen, not wishing antagonize military clique, who wanted to retain military predominance in northeast government structure, effected consolidation before coming to northeast by insisting Hsiung institute move. Move sought [fought?] by Tu through Cheng Tung-kuo who replaced Tu as acting head of NECC. Whampoa clique desire military establishment in northeast independent of political establishment. This clique has found merger not Hsiung’s idea and are beginning put undercover pressure on Chen.
Ability Government defend northeast successfully questionable. Government will need fullest cooperation northeastern people and Nationalists in other areas to hold northeast. Points brought out are first indication this cooperation may not be forthcoming. Believe this last chance Nationalists may have convince those northeasterners who have not already gone over to Communists that Government intention toward northeast beneficial.
If Nationalists continue present tactics they may experience northeastern internal as well as Communist external opposition.
Sources re foregoing: Wang Wa-yi, a military attaché, and editor leading Kmt paper northeast.
Our opinion is that only hope Nationalists have holding northeast is to win northeasterners to their active support or at least not alienate them. This can only be done by cleaning up Nationalist corruption and by showing northeasterners that Nationalists have their interests at heart. Mobilization manpower for military purposes serious problem in northeast. Conscription here has not been successful. North-easterners not believed willing fight wholeheartedly for southern Nationalists, but believed they would fight willingly for northeast and northeastern leaders. Chen’s actions have already practically precluded immediate military cooperation by northeasterners.
Sent Nanking as 411, repeated Department as 280.