121.893/9–347: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 3—5:59 a.m.]
2095. It seems increasingly clear that two major features of general Chinese reaction to Wedemeyer statement are (1) admission that his observations are only too true and (2) a rankling sense of humiliation over what is considered national loss of face. Considerable complaint is voiced that events (World War, Communist “rebellion” et cetera) rather than China or its leaders are to blame for situation and that US should offer something more than humiliating criticism. However, net general effect of statement is believed good, tending to shake lethargy and spur efforts and demands for reforms. In this connection the editor-in-chief of one of Shanghai’s leading Chinese papers who is considered exceptionally well informed told following to officer of ConGen:
- 1.
- Effect of statement on Kmt officials is well illustrated by old Tai Chi-tao, Kmt elder heading Examination Yuan. Tai displayed such agitation after leaving State Council meeting addressed by Wedemeyer17 that a friend asked him what unjust remarks Wedemeyer had made to disturb him. Tai replied “That’s just the trouble, what he said was not unjust but perfectly true. I’ve never felt so humiliated in my 26 years of Kmt service”.
- 2.
- Informant attended meeting of nine Shanghai university presidents which prepared joint statements on Wedemeyer (transmitted in Contel 1503, September 1, repeated Department as 208318). All admitted Wedemeyer told facts correctly; but majority voiced opinion [Page 765] that such facts were already known to all Chinese, that it was most humiliating to have them stated by a foreigner and that what was wanted was not a statement of facts but help to remedy them in the form of a proposed concrete plan of action (which should be made known to Chinese people and not to Government only).
- 3.
- Immediately after State Council meeting, Generalissimo assembled his household servants, scolded them for having always addressed him by an “undemocratic” high title (Wei Yuan Chang) and ordered them to call him “Mr. Chang” hereafter. This is illustrative of Generalissimo’s extreme irascibility since Wedemeyer’s visit. Despite his bitter reaction, Generalissimo will probably go to considerable lengths toward following Wedemeyer’s advice. Replacement of Hsiung Shih-hui by Chen Cheng is significant evidence of this to an extent which few Americans realize (informant would not admit that change was in any way connected with political rivalry between Political Science and Whampoa-CC factions). Hsiung had such a personal hold on Generalissimo that his removal from supremacy in Manchuria represents literally “the fall of a dynasty”. Lifting of martial law in Shanghai area (effective September 1) is another indication of the Generalissimo’s mood. Replacement of military men by civilians as governors of provinces south of Yangtze may be expected soon. Generalissimo will not hesitate to take drastic action provided only that it does not involve accepting American “supervision”.
While credibility of informant is conditioned by fact that he is a strong Kmt (CC) man, he is so well placed that his statements are nevertheless believed worth reporting.
Repeated Nanking 1512.