893.00/5–1548: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 16—3:15 p. m.]
881. In May 10 interview with officer of Embassy, Marshal Li Chishen spoke freely on plans and policies of Kmt Reform Committee. Li stated Committee’s basic aim is to establish new Kmt Government China replace present leadership comprised of Generalissimo, CC clique40 and certain few military leaders. This leadership characterized, particularly in person of Generalissimo, by intense conviction legality its status, validity its policies and by conviction its continuation in power is essential to national welfare. However, leadership’s policies have generally fled and it lacks popular support. Thus, it keeps self in power by party machine, which in turn supports itself by various corrupt practices. All of these practices give rise to bad government with attendant mounting opposition from the people. Mounting opposition constrains Generalissimo to regard problem of keeping in power as primary one, with improved government and even civil war as of relatively minor importance. Li concluded that present Government, if unchecked in current course, must inevitably dissolve in chaos, with entire country going to Communists. Li stated that his movement has large support in military, political and business circles, all apprehensive of general collapse nationalist position. He refused to name specific supporters, but stated fact of his close association with Li Tsung-jen. He stated intentions of holding consultations with Communists in Nationalist territory, with view forming coalition government. He did not state whether this move would precede or follow his formation of new government, but he did say that conference [Page 236] would be called by him and led by him. He stated that accommodation with the Communists necessary for two reasons: First is that any government sponsoring, or able to claim credit for, end of civil war, no matter on what terms, would be assured of immense popular support; in second place, end of war necessary to give his, or any other, government opportunity to reintegrate nationalist elements politically or militarily to point where resistance to Communist advance could become effective.
Li stated his awareness of dangers attempting to work with Communists in coalition. Said that Chinese Communists take full direction from Soviets and would, in coalition, act in accordance with Soviet requirements. He believed that Communism basically uncongenial to Chinese, who hate its controls and regimentation. Chinese now turn to Communism because it offers them chance for “survival”, whereas no “survival” possible under Nationalists. He believes that within framework coalition he can create administration and military support which will halt spread Communism and regain lost ground.
Li stated his position clearly, logically and forcefully. His plans appear concrete and well advanced, and he is evidently prepared and determined to carry them out. He reiterated that policies and acts present Government favor spread Communism, and pointed to his past record in eliminating Communism from Kwangtung as evidence his knowledge how to deal with problem.
It is our belief that Li’s projected move will find wide support throughout Nationalist China. We have previously and often reported growing dissatisfaction with present Government on grounds its total lack concrete achievement, either in civil war or in any other field endeavor. Generalissimo’s recent actions have alienated bulk of Kmt, including many erstwhile supporters. His recent disagreement with Ho Ying-chin over premiership (see Embtel 832, May 7) may well indicate break with Whampoa clique. Under these conditions, emergence of Marshal Li would probably be widely welcomed in party, and there is little doubt but what he would be able to attract best talent in Nationalist China to his government. If Li is sincere in his rejection of Communist control, and his past record bears out his sincerity in this, we feel warranted in assuming that he could probably create a government more capable of halting the spread of Communism than the present Government, which is distinguished only in its relentless pursuit of failure and defeat.
- Faction of the Kuomintang led by the brothers Chen Li-fu and Chen Kuo-fu.↩