893.01/2–1049: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in CM (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 12—12:34 a. m.]
Cantel 28. From our conversations in Canton, we gather following picture present situation:
Despite current official denials, rift between Acting President and Premier is established fact. On surface cause is rooted in differences of opinion as to desirability of moving entire National Government to Canton. Those familiar with current Chinese politics feel, however, that conflict springs from traditional antagonism between Kwangsi and Kwangtung cliques which goes back much further than race for Vice Presidency between Li Tsung-jen and Sun Fo. Retirement Generalissimo which for time being promoted Li to post of Acting President seems to have deepened this antagonism. Thus, followers of Sun Fo, including members of C–C clique, seek keep alive their allegiance to Generalissimo. Credible reports insist that most Cabinet and top ranking Kmt members secretly visited Fenghua to see Generalissimo before coming to Canton.
Li Tsung-jen, seeking to save situation and augment his prestige by continuous peace offers, wants symbol of Government remain Nanking. Refugee government Canton would, he believes, psychologically cease to represent entire National territories. Being located within sphere of influence of Cantonese generals and politicians, Li would become less than figurehead were he to reside in Canton as head of National Government. His stand to maintain symbol of Government in Nanking is supported by large number legislators, some of the National Assembly delegates and many members of the Control Yuan.
Tung Kwan-hsien, President Legislative Yuan, and Yu Yu-jen, President Control Yuan, are in Canton for purpose of pouring oil on troubled waters. They came at instance Li. Tung tells us they had agreed with Sun Fo that latter would go Nanking with Vice Premier Wu Tieh-cheng when Legislative Yuan meets there, if not before. It has been tentatively agreed, he says, that Sun Fo would make formal appearance before Legislative Yuan, but that Wu Tieh-cheng, who commands majority support of legislators, would handle interpellations. This would prevent, they hoped, embarrassment to Sun Fo who would probably be subject to sharp attacks by legislators because of Cabinet ineptitude and reported scandals which Sun Fo and some of his Cabinet members are alleged to have committed since [Page 120] they came to office. Sun’s visit to Nanking would, it has been agreed, be reciprocated by an inspection tour to the south by Li Tsung-jen.
Should Sun Fo fail go Nanking, Cabinet may be censored by Legislative Yuan with possibility overthrow. Sun fears this, as does Li. Should Government in fact fall, Wu Tieh-cheng appears favorite candidate Premiership.
. . . . . . .
Appoinment Chang Fa-kwei as Commander in Chief National Army, announced February 9 by Executive Yuan, is widely considered as move to retard present tendency toward fragmentation. Foreign Minister more or less confirmed this to me. Chang is said to get along with all military leaders involved and he plans to make trip visiting each and endeavoring to bring all into line toward further resistance when peace talks fail.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 28, Shanghai 17.