893.00/1–2749: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 27—10:38 a. m.]
239. Minister-Counselor69 was approached today by Dr. Han Li-wu, former Vice Minister Education, regarding possible military assistance for group of staunch liberals which would endeavor provide leadership for vigorous resistance to communism, using Kwangtung, Fukien and Taiwan as base. He spoke of declaring that area independent of any Communist government which might be formed and recognized by foreign powers. The group would like to see Generalissimo stay in retirement as they feel he would handicap their activities. He mentioned as among the leaders of movement Dr. Hu Shih,70 Li Wei-kuo, former Secretary-General Executive Yuan and secretary to Generalissimo, General Sun Li-jen, American-trained, most efficient Chinese Army officer now in command training on Taiwan, Admiral Chou Hsien-chang, Chief of Staff Chinese Navy, and Wang Shih-chieh, just resigned Minister Foreign Affairs. The group was still seeking reliable leadership within Air Force and it would of course be necessary to obtain support General Chen Cheng, Governor Taiwan. Both would be difficult but if he could have assurances of American aid, task might be made easier.
[Page 90]He was informed by Minister-Counselor that we could make no promise of aid and that we could not commit the Congress of the US, but that he could be assured that American people did not desire to see China controlled by a Moscow-dominated Communist regime and that any Chinese elements of resistance to such a regime could be confident of the sympathy of the American people. Also, sympathizing with such resistance, the American people could be counted upon to do what was feasible to assist. We pointed out, however, that an overwhelming amount of war matériel had been lost in recent months to the Communists, that American resources were limited, and that we had commitments in other parts of the world.
The integrity of the persons allegedly involved in this movement is beyond question and it may be well for us to give them some form of encouragement. We cannot stress too strongly, of course, need for utmost secrecy if their lives are not to be in jeopardy.