893.01/6–2248: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 22—8:26 a. m.]
1115. Local vernacular press June 22 reports that at Executive Yuan meeting June 21, 1948, following major appointments made and formalized by Presidential proclamation on June 22: Cheng Chien as governor of Hunan, replacing Wang Tung-yuan; Chen Yi as governor of Chekiang, replacing Shen Hung-lieh; General Sun Tu as governor of Jehol, replacing Fan Han-chieh; Liu Yao-ehiang, former chairman Hopeh Political Council, as mayor of Peiping, replacing Ho Sze-yuan. Wang and Ho are going to other jobs. Shen resigned, Fan retains only his military command.43
Presidential order of June 22 also accepted resignation of Ku Meng-yu as vice president of Executive Yuan, appointing instead Chang Li-sheng who was relieved as Minister of Interior. Peng Chao-hsien given latter post.
We are unaware of the motivation behind these changes. While the appointment of Cheng Chien should insure a good administration for Hunan, we cannot see a happy future for Chekiang, certainly one of the Government’s key provinces, under the notorious Chen Yi. It would appear that the Gimo’s predisposition to appoint his old and personally trusted comrades, regardless of their proven corruption or lack of ability, to posts of responsibility still out-weighs his desire for good government. Chen is so thoroughly and universally disliked throughout the country that his new assignment will probably destroy what little credit the Government still has in Chekiang.
Sent Department as 1115; pouched all consulates, China.
- Vice-Commander, Northeast Bandit Suppression Headquarters.↩