893.00/4–2348: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11 p. m.]
737. Persistent reports from informed sources close Li Tsung-jen state he has made complete break with Generalissimo and in event defeat vice presidential race plans take some “action” type of which unspecified. Other less qualified sources feel this may take form of local military revolt. Bulk of troops in vicinity Nanking are Kwangsi and Kwangtung units whose loyalty, whether to Li or to Generalissimo, is unknown to us. On basis present information we consider armed coup only remote possibility, though conceivable. Li may act in heat of anger at what he considers his ill treatment at hands of Generalissimo and because feeling frustration [over] Kmt party machine’s rejection [of] his services to nation in its present crisis. We believe “action,” if any, will take place later; probably in conjunction with Hong Kong and south China dissidents with whom evidence suggests Li in close contact. Vice presidential election probably not concluded until June [April] 24 or 25.