Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East: China, Volume VII

121.893/8–2847: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Davis) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, August 28, 1947—6 p.m.
[Received August 29—6:35 a.m.]

2069. During past 2 days various Chinese contacts have volunteered following opinions re Wedemeyer statement of August 24 which may be regarded as typical of reaction of the better educated business and professional groups. In the first place there was no attempt to deny the essential truth of the statement, but on contrary there was a general disposition to concede the justice of the criticisms. Even K. C. Wu, mayor of Shanghai, who is unswervingly loyal to the Generalissimo, said he felt the statement was good and that he agreed with the main points, particularly the criticism of defeatism. Many business and professional men said the statement expressed their views exactly and hoped it would have an early and far-reaching effect. It should be borne in mind, however, that the Chinese in these groups are quite cosmopolitan, having an appreciation of the disastrous effect on Chinese prestige of maladministration at this time and feeling very bitter over what they regard as unnecessary and stupid mistakes made for selfish reasons during the past 2 years. Well-connected and influential friend speaking very frankly said it was surprising how many people would agree with General Wedemeyer’s statement when no third person was present. Percy Chen, son of Eugene Chen,¹⁴ who has just returned from a protracted visit in the United States, praised the statement saying it should help bring about necessary changes. He said a liberal group headed by Sun Fo and including Dr. W. W. Yen¹⁵ would soon make an effort to assume a leading role in the Government under the Generalissimo with a program featuring private enterprise both domestic and foreign, establishment of early peace by negotiation, and general reform.

Members of the Political Science group while not denying the truth of the statement are inclined to take the criticism a little hard since they feel it reflects on them and will not be helpful to those trying to effect reforms. Their critics here, however, feel that they are not sufficiently aggressive and decisive to get results and they are not therefore impressed with their prospects of success.¹⁶

Sent Nanking 1491; repeated Department 2069.

Davis

14. A former Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs.
15. A former Chinese Minister in the United States.
16. For an interview with the President of the Executive Yuan, Gen. Chang Chun, see telegram No. 2086, September 2, from the Consul General at Shanghai United States Relations With China, p. 815.