Office of the Historian

893.00/5–1948: Telegram

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

Nanking, May 19, 1948—6 p. m.
[Received May 19—9:53 a. m.]

906. Generalissimo is meeting this afternoon with his top advisers in attempt to find workable solution to present Executive Yuan impasse. Among his most active advisers is Chen Li-fu who, since his election as Vice President of the Executive [Legislative] Yuan, has been extremely vocal in expressing his conviction that primary need is party unity and that thereafter Government can proceed on questions of reform. Chen’s views seem to reinforce growing conviction of Generalissimo that Chang Chun is not the man to head the new Cabinet because of his inability to provide forceful leadership. The CC clique is urging Generalissimo to name T. V. Soong as President of the Executive Yuan and Generalissimo appears inclined to go along with this suggestion. Soong has arrived in Nanking for consultations on this question and will probably accept it if the offer is definitely made. Chen is further urging that Ho Ying-chin be made Vice Premier and that Pai Chung-hsi be retained as Minister of National Defense in order to heal the rift between Generalissimo and Li and draw latter into active partnership with Government. It is impossible to forecast how this manipulation will turn out. Given past performance, the possibility must not be overlooked that this is another skillful manipulation part of CC clique to regain its waning hold on Government. On the other hand, possibility must also be kept in mind that Soong, who has been flirting with CC clique ever since his retirement from premiership,60 might be able to provide sufficiently strong leadership to keep CC activities within bounds. CC for some months has been attempting vocally to assume leadership of reform movement. Only a practical test could determine whether this is merely lip service or honest conviction. Furthermore, there is no indication as to whether Li Tsung-jen would accept the line offered him or would remain wary.

In general, situation remains fluid.

Stuart
  1. March 1947.↩