893.002/11–2948: Telegram

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

2353. Dr. Sun Fo, newly appointed premier of China, announced to the press that he would attempt to organize a government which would be broadly representative of all classes in nation except Communists. Premier’s statement that his remarks must be considered as expressions of his personal opinion but would most likely bear considerable weight in making major decisions, coincided with press reports that he had been given a free hand by President Chiang Kai-shek to select his war-time Cabinet. Current rumors in vernacular [Page 608] press claim Chang Chun59 is slated for Foreign Minister and mention both Chang Chih-chung60 and Shao Li-tze61 as Cabinet possibilities.

In recalling his background and American education, Prime Minister said it would be natural for his Government to reflect in many ways American point of view. He then stated that China must be prepared to make any reasonable concession in order to obtain major American military assistance as soon as possible and mentioned General MacArthur62 as possible supreme military adviser to be given full powers.

Dr. Sun favored reopening of China’s inland waterways to foreign shipping. He added that under certain circumstances US Naval Forces should be allowed to use these waterways, and saw no objection to a system under which US warships would operate on Yangtze as patrol group. Advocating a “new deal” for foreign business interests, he emphasized that foreign traders in China would be given every reasonable encouragement and protection, and asked American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai for list of recommendations.

Premier reiterated Generalissimo’s determination to continue war against Communists to “bitter end” and felt there was no question but that Chinese Communists were working in close cooperation with Soviet Russia as part of world Communist movement. In this connection, rumors in Chinese papers claim Legislative Yuan is considering motion to denounce Chinese communism as instrument of international aggression, in order [other?] words as tool of Soviet Union.

Stuart
  1. Former President of the Chinese Executive Yuan.
  2. Military and Political Affairs Director for the Northwest.
  3. State Councilor.
  4. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Commander in Chief, Far East (CinCFE) and Supreme Commander, Allied Powers in Japan (SCAP).