893.002/3–2349: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 23—5:42 a. m.]
Cantel 161. Chen Tai-chu, director American Department Foreign Office, who knows well Foreign Minister-designate Fu Ping-chang, assures me that Fu is if anything anti-Soviet and that his designation as Foreign Minister cannot mean any reorientation of Chinese foreign policy. He admitted, however, that General Ho Ying-chin, in appointing Fu, may have done so with idea that is [in] some way such an appointment would improve his position in respect Communists and of Soviet Union. Incidentally, he said Fu’s appointment had aroused opposition in Supreme Council Kmt and it might yet be withdrawn. It would be few days before final decision would be reached.
He admitted possibility absence C–C clique member might represent effort improve possibility negotiations with Communists though he said composition Cabinet had been determined by realization peace increasingly unlikely and that principal task Government would be reorganization military for renewal hostilities although of course political and economic factors were also strongly involved.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 143, Shanghai 102.