Office of the Historian

893.00/4–1548

The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State

Nanking, April 15, 1948—9 p. m.
[Received April 17—4:28 a. m.]

683. From various Chinese sources Embassy has received requests for copy of legislation granting President emergency war powers,98 We are now informed by reliable source that Premier Chang Chun, [Page 193] speaking for Political Science Clique, as well as Prime Minister, has proposed that Generalissimo be elected President and given emergency war powers. Carson Chang99 is reported to be endeavoring to reconcile the articles of constitution dealing with this issue. Indications continue that Generalissimo will, in last analysis, accept election as President, particularly if any constitutional formula can be found granting him emergency war powers.

Our information is that Chang Chun wishes to continue as Premier, but that Wang Shih-chieh, present Foreign Minister, is also seeking that job.

We are told that support by CC Clique of Sun Fo for Vice Presidency has led the three other principal candidates to unite against him and CC Clique. Result of Vice Presidential elections is still anybody’s guess although Li Tsung-jen seems to be out.

Stuart
  1. First War Powers Act, approved December 18, 1941, 55 Stat. 838; Second War Powers Act, approved March 27, 1942, 56 Stat. 176.↩
  2. Leader of the Democratic Socialist Party.↩