893.00/2–548: Telegram

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

258. Canton UP despatch quotes General Wu Te-chen24 as confirming split in Kmt resulting from members’ dissatisfaction with limited party support of official candidates who failed in election. Wu sees danger these elements may swing support from Kmt to Li Chai-sum25 and his “Liberal Kmt” headquartered in Hong Kong unless squabble settled. Wu also foresees possible postponement of National Assembly scheduled for March 29 as result.

Above report bears out other indication that elections have tended to intensify existing dissensions within Kmt ranks as well as develop new ones.

Sent 194 to Nanking, repeated as 258 to Department.

Cabot
  1. Secretary General of the Kuomintang Central Executive Committee.
  2. Marshal Li Chi-shen.