121.893/9–1947
Memorandum by Mr. Philip D. Sprouse to General Wedemeyer
Subject: Chinese Dissident Elements
- 1.
- The following extract from Hong Kong’s political summary for June68 is of
interest:
“Local opinion with regard to utterances of General Li (Li Chi-shen, the leader of the so-called separatist movement in South China, who is residing in Hong Kong) and other leftist leaders in Hong Kong is still somewhat divided, but the majority appear to believe that no well organized movement for independence in South China has yet been formed. At the same time, many persons are impressed with the boldness of the leftists in openly attacking the Central Government, as compared with their silence of a few months ago when none dared to permit his name to be published. Local authorities state that all leftist groups in Hong Kong are remarkably well-behaved, and that there is no evidence of meddling in local affairs; that they seem interested only in Chinese politics and so far are not deeply concerned with a ‘world revolution’ as dictated from Moscow.”
- 2.
- The foregoing ties in with similar reports from other areas. There seems to be ample indication that the National Government military and other Chinese are quietly making plans against any eventuality. There have been reports from US consular offices that [Page 688] discussions and negotiations have been going on among many Chinese, but there seems to be general agreement, among Chinese and foreigners, that no one would yet dare enter the lists against the Generalissimo. The Government military commanders are, however, apparently making preparations for that day which may come when it would be both necessary and safe for them to take action to band together against the Communists. Obviously their position vis-à-vis the Communists, for fighting or bargaining, would be immeasurably stronger if they were banded together in some form of unity of purpose and action.
- Dated July 2, not printed.↩