893.002/11–2648: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 26—8:22 a. m.]
2339. Reliably informed Sun Fo55 has accepted appointment as Prime Minister. This appointment lends itself to various interpretations. Hu Shih56 is known to be holding off until assured independence of action in respect of Generalissimo57 and support of Kmt58 Party machine. Generalissimo has been having difficulty with party of late and appointment of Sun Fo may be interim arrangement assuring support of party until atmosphere clears. As previously reported, Wong Wen-hao has ceased to function as Prime Minister.
Generalissimo is, we believe, reserving his final decision in respect of delegation his authority until more definite information regarding American military aid he can expect. Sun Fo appointment may also be stop-gap in this regard. He might also serve as front man for negotiated peace, though we doubt that that aspect is in Generalissimo’s mind at the moment.