893.00/11–1548: Telegram

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

2406. Dr. Carsun Chang90 called and left with me message for General Marshall forwarded in immediately succeeding telegram. He [Page 568] said that Chiang Kai-shek must go and that far from weakening the anti-Communist front it would actually strengthen hands of such leaders as Fu Tso-yi and Pai Chung-hsi if Generalissimo were eliminated from picture. With his elimination anti-Communist generals could stabilize military situation for some months provided American aid continued. This would enable them to work out a peace. I pointed out that we could not intervene between Chinese factions and asked whether Chinese pressure alone would be sufficient to persuade Generalissimo to go. Dr. Chang said pressure from all quarters would in his opinion be sufficient for this purpose. Dr. Chang said that Chinese were sufficiently opposed to communism to continue civil war provided they did not have fatal handicap of Generalissimo’s leadership.

Sent Department, repeated Nanking 1821.

Cabot
  1. Chairman of the Democratic Socialist Party.