Office of the Historian

893.01/2–1849: Telegram

The Ambassador in China, (Stuart) to the Secretary of State

Nanking, February 18, 1949—4 p. m.
[Received February 18—8:16 a. m.]

417. Acting President told me he is summoning Sun Li-jen50 here with view appointing him Governor of Taiwan and making that island [Page 136] basis for Chinese-American constructive cooperation. Ch’en Ch’eng wants to resign51 but Gimo preventing him. This one of many ways Gimo hindering Li’s efforts.

Li intends appoint Shao Li-tze52 premier if Sun Fo finally refused come Nanking. Should Shao be unwilling, will ask Ho Ying-chin be concurrently premier and Minister of National Defense. Reasons for choice of Ho is latter’s ability persuade Whampoa53 clique support Li and perhaps influence Gimo.

Shao Li-tze telephoned Li peace talks54 began on morning February 16 and will continue several days with no public announcements. Shao feels rather optimistic, Li feels there one-third chance satisfactory results.

Sent Department 417, repeated AmEmb Canton 81, pouched Taipei.

Stuart
  1. Director of training of Chinese ground forces on Formosa (Taiwan).↩
  2. As Governor of Taiwan.↩
  3. Member of the Kuomintang.↩
  4. Whampoa Military Academy.↩
  5. By a Shanghai civic delegation headed by former Premier W. W. Yen.↩