893.00/4–2648: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 26—9:31 a. m.]
748. On afternoon 25 April Sun Fo announced withdrawal from vice-presidential race stating that he felt it would be undemocratic to run without opposition. His withdrawal was made at Generalissimo’s direction. In afternoon Central Executive Committee Kuomintang met and passed resolution stating candidates’ withdrawals all invalid. Assembly not convened today. Li Tsung-jen’s associates state that his withdrawal was political maneuver designed to focus attention on threats and intimidation directed against his supporters by Generalissimo, Kmt bosses and Whampoa clique. He made decision when Generalissimo ordered Pai Chung-hsi withdraw his support Li under threat punitive action and coordinate his move with Cheng Chien. Pai yesterday issued statement that Li withdrew because his supporters continually subjected intimidation and under those conditions free election impossible. Cheng’s cooperation with Li seems to have begun when Generalissimo summoned him, asked him to withdraw and throw vote to Sun Fo, and offered reimburse him entire costs his campaign, which proposition Cheng refused.
Intense political maneuvering by all factions continues today and even best informed circles are bewildered and uncertain as to outcome. However, it is abundantly clear that recent developments have seriously split Kuomintang, rank and file of party and independents, including probably majority civil servants and army officers, have come to believe that country can survive present crisis only through more liberal effective vigorous leadership than has been evident in past. This group hoped that such leadership might be forthcoming in orderly manner through implementation of new constitution. Interference of Generalissimo and party machine with elections to Assembly and the new Yuan, with deliberations of Assembly on constitutional amendment question and flagrant intervention in vice presidential election has thoroughly convinced those desiring effective [Page 208] constitutional government that Generalissimo intends use new constitution as vehicle for continuation his personal rule in same close cooperation with CC Clique dominated party machine and Whampoa Clique dominated High Military Command as has obtained in past.
There seems little doubt but what vast majority politically articulate Chinese who are not intimately associated with Kmt party machine are aroused over present situation and place blame on Generalissimo. In early stages vice presidential contest, Generalissimo left Sun Fo campaign in hands Chen Li-fu but intervened personally to influence outcome, despite his pledge of free election, when Sun’s defeat appeared likely. Character of Generalissimo’s intervention has definitely outraged many of his supporters. Hitherto, respect for Generalissimo’s service to nation, tendency regard him as indispensable man and fear of retaliation, have combined to prevent non-Communist elements in Nationalist China from acting or speaking covertly against him. However, action of Cheng and Li and statement of Pai on reasons for Li’s withdrawal forces development of political alignments over issue of democratic constitutional government versus personal autocratic rule through entrenched reactionary cliques. Notwithstanding native Chinese genius on techniques of political compromise, fact that present issue is clear-cut and open and involves popularly supported challenge to vested authority by groups convinced continuation that authority in power must inevitably by reason its autocratic character and long record failure and incompetence involve country in ruin, mitigates strongly against lasting compromise.
Assembly is now slated reconvene morning of 27th with delegates voting on acceptance withdrawal each candidate in turn. Li’s managers now claim 1800 votes. Bulk of Kmt now out of control by party leaders, Youth party is insisting on free elections and Carson Chang’s Democratic Socialists are cautious and irresolute. In this situation it appears entirely possible that democratic, constitutional and anti-Generalissimo propensities of delegates may result in Li’s election. How Generalissimo would accommodate himself to such defeat involving rejection his leadership is impossible foretell. One of many possibilities is refusal to accept presidency. Despite the many disturbing features in this situation, we are encouraged by the undeniable fact that democratic forces are now appearing and making themselves felt in protest against autocracy and reaction.
Following conference, all three contenders have just announced intention re-enter race.