Office of the Historian

893.002/12–2648: Telegram

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

Nanking, December 26, 1948.
[Received December 26—3:41 a. m.]

2621. Formation of China’s new Cabinet evoked considerable initial comment in Nanking vernacular press. Official Kmt organ points out following distinct features of new Executive Yuan:

(1)
Great emphasis placed on ministers without portfolio whose opinions will influence formation of policies.
(2)
Tremendous change in Cabinet lineup as compared with past which proves Dr. Sun is truly empowered.
(3)
Inclusion in new Cabinet of various cliques of Kmt and members of minority party in Legislative Yuan which will achieve unity and strengthen war front.
(4)
Support of Legislative Yuan since Cabinet formed by such influential members as Sun Fo, Wu Te-chen and Chen Li-fu. Finally papers expressed hope that new Cabinet will seek to create new war strength south of Yangtze River in order support bandit-suppression campaign in areas north of Yangtze.

CC clique daily reiterates demand for amalgamation of unnecessary Government bureaus in order increase administrative efficiency, employment of new and capable men and dismissal of inefficient Government employees. Improved treatment and higher wages for Government workers to eradicate corruption and increase efficiency, elimination of “bureaucratic” habits in new Cabinet. Suppression of powerful and wealthy families and increased agricultural industrial production.

Army organ editorially expresses regret over long delay in formation of Sun Fo’s Cabinet which paper claims caused rise of peace rumors affecting public morale. Points out that problem confronting new Cabinet is not question of peace or war but rather problem of intensifying fight against Communists. Domestically paper states total war must be carried out and diplomatically sympathy and large [Page 687] scale aid must be sought from friendly nations in order attain victory.

Other comment came from local tabloids which criticized formation of “Cantonese Cabinet” with removal of former members from North China. Nanking’s independent sheet called attention to Sun Fo’s press conference for foreign newsmen pointing out that “victorious peace” had been misinterpreted as “honorable peace” in foreign press and claimed Sun Fo would make correction in near future. Paper also predicts radical change in China’s diplomatic representatives including possibility that Hu Shih might assist in foreign relations with US; Wang Shih-chieh might become Ambassador to England and Shao Li-tze might replace Fu Ping-chang70 as Ambassador to Russia.

Sent Department 2621; repeated London 7. Pouch Moscow.

Stuart
  1. Known as Foo Ping-sheung.↩