893.01/7–648: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 6—10:51 a. m.]
1228. Vice Consul Service here from Hong Kong reports that immediately prior to his departure KmtRC representatives informed him that Marshal Li Chi-sen intends to establish “provisional govt” prior to forthcoming American presidential election. Marshal Li says that his motivation for this move is belief that present Chinese Govt will receive considerably more support from a Republican administration, which the KmtRC confidently expects, than it now receives.
We consider these statements of Marshal may possibly be true. Authority of Central Govt is now at all-time low and Marshal Li will likely move, if he moves at all, before Govt’s position improves. There is a general belief throughout China that more aid would be received from a Republican administration than is now being provided. This belief is greatly strengthened by statements to the effect made by Bullitt73 during his recent visit here.
Sent Dept 1228, pouched Canton, Dairen, Hankow, Hong Kong, Mukden, Peiping, Shanghai, Taipei, Tientsin, Tsingtao.
- William C. Bullitt, former Ambassador to the Soviet Union and to France.↩