893.01/11–548: Telegram

The Consul General at Canton (Ludden) to the Secretary of State

231. I have been informed by American source close to T. V. Soong34 that on November 4 Governor refused accept position as Premier unless “more realistic” attitude could be adopted toward current military and economic problems. My informant inferred that Soong’s refusal yesterday was culmination of recent strong pressure on him from Generalissimo to accept post. Sent Nanking 253; repeated Department 231.

Ludden
  1. Governor of Kwangtung.