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

893.00/1–2248: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, January 22, 1948—7 p. m.
[Received January 22—6:44 a. m.]

156. Local Legislative Yuan elections⁹⁴ appear as completely prearranged and controlled by Govt political leaders as were NPA⁹⁵ elections, with popular cynicism and lack of interest even more evidenced. Most noteworthy difference is fact that whereas previous elections were almost entirely a CC affair managed by Pan Kung-chan⁹⁶ with CC taking majority of seats and largely dictating proportional distribution of balance to other Govt factions and minor parties, present elections reveal control now divided between principal rightist groups. San Min Chu I Youth Corporation [Corps], Hsuan Tieh-Wu’s⁹⁷ garrison headquarters, BIS⁹⁸ secret police, et cetera, dissatisfied with CC’s deal in previous elections, have since built up their election machines and assured themselves larger share of spoils. Reliable source reports that, with view to impressing foreign opinion, W. W. Yen⁹⁹ against his wishes is being elected by order of Generalissimo.

Elections in Shanghai are marked by more disorders (though of minor character) than accompanied previous elections, which is believed attributable to new multifaction basis of contest.

Preliminary information from provinces indicates that CC domination still effective in Kiangsu and Chekiang (richest territory which CC regards as its preserve).

Sent Nanking 116, repeated Department.

Cabot

94. For results of elections, January 21–23, see airgram No. A–130, May 8, from the Ambassador in China, p. 226.
95. National People’s Assembly.
96. Kuomintang official.
97. Lt Gen. Hsuan Tieh-wu, Garrison Commander of Shanghai–Woosung area.
98. Kuomintang Bureau of Investigations and Statistics.
99. State Councilor of Chinese National Government, former Premier.