893.00/10–247: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
Nanking, October 2,
1947—9 p.m.
[Received October 3—3:28 a.m.]
[Received October 3—3:28 a.m.]
2021. Following is Shanghai’s 1619 of September 30:
“In conversation with officer of Consulate General September 27, Lai Lien, member of standing committee of Kmt CEC and one of most active CC politicians, stated:
- 1.
- T. V. Soong did not want Kwangtung governorship but was persuaded by Generalissimo to accept. (Other sources here state national situation is so serious for Generalissimo that he needs Soong’s prestige and ability to hold and prepare south China as base for possible last stand of Government.) Lai seemed to confirm by implication recent reaching of Soong–CC understanding as he made remarks indicating that Soong had finally gotten over his political snobbishness and shown willingness ‘to play ball with the gang’.
- 2.
- Soong now in Shanghai will leave for Canton soon for preliminary 2 weeks’ survey of situation needs, following which he will return north before permanently taking over position. (In this connection T. K. Ho, local Soong man, formerly Deputy Mayor Shanghai, tells us he is proceeding Canton soon in response invitation from Soong.)
- 3.
- Principle of substituting civilian for military administrators was also factor in Soong’s appointment. Appointment may soon be expected of new civilian governors for provinces south of Yangtze beginning with Fukien, Kiangsu, Chekiang, Hunan, and also for Hupeh.
- 4.
- No agreement with Young China and Democratic Social parties regarding their requests for election quotas has yet been reached. [Page 302] Evidencing an impatience believed to reflect typical CC contempt for small parties, Lai said the two parties to conceal their weakness were refusing divulge their membership numbers.
- 5.
- Rumors that Chu Chia-hua will leave his Education Ministership are probably true ‘as he has been a failure’. Repeated remarks and questions by Lai revealed clearly smouldering resentment against what he feels is misinformation given American public to make them regard Central Government as hopelessly corrupt and Communists as agrarian reformers rather than real Communists; also against what he pictures as ‘anti-China’ group headed by Gauss82 and Vincent,”83
Stuart