Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East: China, Volume VII

893.00/8–1048: Telegram

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

Nanking, August 10, 1948—3 p. m.
[Received August 10—7:10 a. m.]

1476. Following telegram 129, August 6, received from Hong Kong:

“Questioned concerning press accounts contact between Mao Tze-tung³⁷ and Li Chi-shen,³⁸ C. Y. Li³⁹ today asserted: 1. For some weeks Communists exerting strong pressure on Marshal for latter’s support of PCC⁴⁰ in liberated areas; 2. Communist broadcast is evidence of significance attached by Communists to Marshal Li and KmtRC; 3. Communists presently negotiating with Marshal concerning possible Communist broadcast soon announcing Communist recognition KmtRC and Communist willingness recognize sincerity Kmt members who support KmtRC despite past reactionary records; 4. During recent visit T. V. Soong⁴¹ held secret talks with Marshal (reported in yesterday’s local press) and repeated predictions early collapse Generalissimo; 5. Marshal recently received confidential letter of support signed by over 100 Peiping intellectuals including Chang Tung-sun.⁴²

While C. Y. Li doubtless overstressing Communist pressure inability of Marshal indefinitely to withstand determined Communist pressure, in present situation is possibility despite his apparent sincere desire to establish provisional government in non-Communist territory and to hold PCC after Generalissimo’s fall.

C. Y. Li claimed in strictest confidence that support of Li^42a and Pai⁴³ now assured but decisive move against Generalissimo must come from south where action delayed owing failure thus far to arrange flight of three key men from Nanking.”

Sent Department 1476, pouched Consulates, China.

Stuart

37. Chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.
38. Marshal Li was Chairman of the Kuomintang Revolutionary Committee (KmtRC).
39. Member of the Kuomintang Revolutionary Committee.
40. Political Consultative Conference.
41. Governor of Kwangtung.
42. Professor of philosophy at Yenching University.
43. Vice President Li Tsung-jen.
43. General Pai Chung-hsi, Commander in Chief of the Central China Bandit Suppression Forces.