893.00/5–1748: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:21 p. m.]
1083. Local Chinese, close and intelligent observer of political arena from Chungking days, expresses opinion that despite current headlines about current fracas over Legislative Yuan seats, eyes should be on actions of Kmt cliques and outside groupings. Renegade Kmt members of Yuan may hold key to future. He is inclined, as are most observers, to minimize minority parties as political factor.
Apparent increased post-election willingness by parties and cliques to bolt Kmt guidance is, in his opinion, a recognition of the fact that Li’s election and his increased stature have suddenly and unexpectedly produced a possible alternative to Generalissimo’s leadership and that a hastening of Kmt disintegration would not now as formerly lead to a leaderless chaos. Alignments behind Li are generally recognized as only seeking of port in storm for many anti-CC factions but that such grouping will outlive CC power though briefly.
He believes quickest and best but least likely way to obtain political order out of current intra- and inter-party confusion would be Generalissimo’s assumption of supra party position dissolution of Kmt as unsuited to new constitution[al era] and regrouping of political forces in keeping with individual preferences from far left to far right. Idea was explored in Chungking days but discarded.
Sent Department 1083, repeated Nanking 850.