124.936/12–2848: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 29—5:27 a. m.]
2640. I have been scrupulously careful to observe Department’s instructions regarding present political jockeying Chinese Government circles (Deptel 1882, December 24, received December 27) although this has not been easy as Generalissimo and other ranking Chinese are in quandary and are constantly seeking my advice, insisting they desire it on a purely personal basis. In speaking with Generalissimo I have tried to disabuse his mind on possibility of increased aid from US in view of military reverses caused, in no small part, by his individual direction of campaigns and in view of failure military measures instituted last August. My position with him has not been made easier by the practically universal desire of Chinese people for peace. I have told Generalissimo I saw no hope of improvement in situation sufficient to warrant increased American aid unless he made drastic changes sufficient to rally public support, and have suggested such action would involve his relinquishment of emergency powers and his delegation of more authority, both civil and military, to others. Generalissimo has on his own initiative summoned Philip Fugh more than once in effort to learn more fully what I had in mind. Philip Fugh has merely amplified ideas I expressed as reported above. Pressure of situation has become so increasingly strong that among almost all Government leaders and in the public, there is demand for Generalissimo to retire.
As I stated earlier, I have endeavored scrupulously to avoid involvement, yet I find it impossible to refuse to listen to the many pleas which come to me. I have endeavored to maintain position that decision was up to Chinese themselves to make and should be based solely on the interests of the Chinese people.
[Page 694]I may add that no member of my staff, to my knowledge, has taken any action contrary to the sense of the Department’s instructions in this regard.