893.01/2–1449: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:47 p. m.]
[Cantel] 44. Li Wei-kuo, currently Secretary-General Central Political Council Kmt, reminds me that Generalissimo is still supreme head of Kmt and that as such he cannot be disregarded. He finds it [Page 129] difficult to believe that Generalissimo is interfering in present situation other than with idea of assisting Li Tsung-jen. Generalissimo has told his intimates who visited Fenghua that under no considerations would he return to active public life during next 5 years. Li believes Generalissimo sincere in his intention withdraw public life and give Li Tsung-jen opportunity make peace or carry on struggle.
He thinks Acting President has grown in stature with responsibility; has shown remarkable ability follow middle of road so dear to Chinese, and shows some signs that he may become the leader needed to rally continued resistance. He has refused Sun Fo’s suggestion that he bring Kwangsi elements into Cabinet and he has recognized Generalissimo’s authority as head Kmt. He says Li realizes peace is impossible on reasonable terms; that he is merely taking every step open to him to secure a reasonable peace with idea that when he inevitably renews resistance he will have a better chance of rallying support of the war-weary. What is needed, according to Li Wei-kuo, is someone to bridge the gap between Generalissimo and Li Tsung-jen and to check trend toward regional autonomy. In 2 months he thinks situation will clarify. He realizes that China must give clear evidence of intention to continue resistance to communism and of ability to do so before further aid should be expected from US.
He points out that Premier is responsible to Legislative Yuan but not to President. Sun Fo might correctly refuse visit Nanking at behest Li but he should report to Legislative Yuan should that Yuan meet in Nanking. Ill-will between Sun and Li arising out of Vice Presidential election is deep, he says, and may dissuade Sun from proceeding Nanking. Sun is supported in this by his physicians who say his blood pressure has so risen in recent months the trip would be dangerous to his health. If Sun does not go out and Legislative Yuan meets Nanking, as seems likely, it may give vote non-confidence in Sun and Wu Tieh-chen may become Premier. Li feels this would be promising development as Sun Fo was “born with silver spoon in his mouth” and his followers are most corrupt and self-seeking, while Wu Tieh-cheng is self-made man whose sole purpose, at the moment anyway, is to secure continued and effective resistance to communism. Also with President a Kwangsi man, Premier must be from Kwangtung, as is Wu. Furthermore, Wu has confidence of Generalissimo and of Li Tsung-jen and could, he believes, bridge gap between the two.
As seat of Government is Canton, future military operation will be based on Kwangtung. Li says it is necessary to have Kwangtung generals in control here. Appointment Chang Fa-kwei as commander ground forces was made in this sense. (Incidentally Li insists Chang’s appointment was made without prior consultation with Generalissimo, [Page 130] something unheard of in the past). Chang Fa-kwei does not however have the ability, he believes, to cheek the trend toward regionalism and bring the military leaders back into the fold. He anticipates, therefore, that should Wu become premier Ho Ying-chin will be called back as Minister National Defense. Ho is on good terms with all military leaders and has confidence of Generalissimo. Wu and Ho together might have some chance of success. Incidentally, Li Wei-kuo has been offered job as representative China FEC41 and may accept.
Sent Department 44, repeated Nanking 42, Shanghai 2.
- Far Eastern Commission in Washington.↩