893.002/5–2448: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 24—10:29 a. m.]
935. Ho Ying-chin made final refusal of premiership the night of May 23. With approval of Kmt CEC, Generalissimo sent to Legislative Yuan for approval name of Wong Wen-hao.69 During apathetic session no other name was proposed. Final vote on confirmation 499–94. Wong is a man of recognized ability in economic matters and personal integrity. He is not, however, forceful and has no personal political following. Generalissimo justified this selection to Legislative Yuan on basis that Wong will have a favorable foreign press and as an economist will be a good man to oversee implementation of American aid program.
Basically, Wong’s election means that no solution has yet been found for political crisis within Kmt and that its resolution has only been postponed. We believe Wong will find himself in the unhappy position of being caught helplessly between the millstones of a headstrong and self-willed Generalissimo and a rebellious Legislative Yuan.
- Chairman of the Chinese National Resources Commission.↩