893.00/10–3047: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 30—8:24 a.m.]
2166. Following is Shanghai’s 1714, of October 29, 3 p.m.
“Wang Shih-ming, former deputy Director Foreign Affairs, Bureau of Military Affairs Committee of National Military Council and now chairman Organization Committee of Reform Democratic Social Party, called October 28 on office of Consulate General to voice alarm over Central Government’s orders for action against Democratic League and to express hope that American pressure will be exerted to dissuade Government from terroristic course. Wang said his party fears move against League will be extended successfully to other groups who have dared criticize Government and that this party, though including only few who are concurrently members League, is likely to be next victim. According to Wang, police 2 or 3 days ago ordered League to close its Shanghai headquarters. Wang confirmed other reports that several League leaders including Sa Chien-li and [Page 347] probably Ma Shu-lan have fled from Shanghai presumably for Hong Kong and he fears most prominent liberals and nonconformists remaining here will be either arrested or forced into silence. Wang mentioned incidentally that his party’s goal is coalition government which would exclude all members of ‘favored families’.”