893.002/3–2549: Telegram

The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State

Cantel 171. Acting Foreign Minister Tung Lin tells me he has urged Fu Ping-chang return China assume post Foreign Minister, so far without results. Dr. Tung said that not only did Fu seem unwilling accept post, but Central Executive Committee Kmt as well as members Legislative Yuan Canton are opposed appointment. He thought it highly probable therefore another Foreign Minister would eventually be appointed. Principal objection Fu seems to be that, notwithstanding his personal sentiments, his appointment will generally [be] considered as indication trend China foreign policy away from US toward Soviet Union. Realizing assumption office Fu unlikely influence Soviet or Chinese Communist policy, those opposing appointment feel have everthing to lose and nothing to gain.

Sent Department Cantel 171, repeated Nanking 155, Shanghai 114, Moscow 6.

Clark