893.00/3–2849: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton ( Ludden ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 28—4:33 a. m.]
73. Refmytel 43 to Embassy, repeated Department 71, March 27, 1 p. m.57 As in previous conversations Soong’s58 central theme was inevitability US–Soviet war which now approaching apace following conclusion Atlantic Pact.
Soong characterized himself as one of very few Chinese who has never had illusions re power aims and Soviet orientation Chinese Communists. He classed as fools those who pursue the illusion Mao may become another Tito. According Soong, further illusion shared by many is possible split in CCP. This he considers highly unlikely because of current rapid infiltration Soviet-trained cadres at all levels CCP. Soong believes some rivalry exists between senior Communist military leaders but this normal in any army and not serious.
Soong convinced no peace possible with Communists except on their terms. He recalled 1945 conversations with Stalin re communism in which latter quoted “those who are not with us are against us”. More recently Lin Piao told W. W. Yen at Peiping that National Government had choice of two peace settlements, that of Tientsin or that of Peiping, i.e., peace by defeat or peace by capitulation. Soong advocates continuance military struggle against advance Communists China and argues too much has already been allowed go by default. He stated will to resist in National forces can be restored by adequate pay as exemplified at Hsuchow.
Soong foresees geographic split as only outcome present situation and, in spite present Communist military predominance, he believes South China and Taiwan can hold out against further Communist advance. He professes to find in Kwangtung definite will to resist and same spirit can be developed Fukien, Kiangsi, Hunan and Kwangsi. He considers Yunnan and Kweichow unimportant; with regard Szechuan he considers Chang Chun a weakling fence sitter who will probably capitulate at first Communist threat.
According Soong, he came Canton March 25 at request Governor and Pacification Commander to confer with regard recruitment, [Page 206] training, disposition anti-Communist forces. Time is now important because Soong considers likely military development will become [beComm.] advance to west and south avoiding lower Yangtze valley for time being.
Soong said he has had occasion communicate several times with Generalissimo but no indication from these contacts that Generalissimo contemplating emerging from retirement “at present”.
In spite Soong’s brave front and confidence in continued resistance South China on the eve of his own physical removal from China, must observe that there are no indications locally of economic, political or military strength that can offer effective resistance incursion Communists this area if their timetables so envisage.
Sent Nanking 44, repeated Department.