893.00/4–2949: Telegram

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

Cantel 294. Jockeying for position in anti-Communist China continues. Chu Chang-wei tells me Ho Ying-chin did not visit Kweilin yesterday (Cantel 291, April 28, repeated Nanking 230, Shanghai 183), as Li had sent word his visit would serve no useful purpose and had renewed his promise come Canton in near future. Chang Fa-kwei is, however, proceeding Kweilin today carrying unqualified assurances of support to Li from himself, Hsueh Yueh and Yu Han-mou.

Conceding that control Taiwan resources necessary to success Li’s efforts, Chu says plans envisage approach to Chen Cheng, Governor Taiwan, through Hsueh Yueh, Governor Kwangtung, in effort persuade Chen that best interests himself and China lie in full support Li rather than Generalissimo. Only if persuasion fails do they plan more forceful measures remove Chen. I gather they have not yet even approached Sun Li-jen76 although they feel confident his support. Despite information other sources to contrary, they insist Sun has control sufficient military forces Taiwan to remove Chen.

Sent Department Cantel 294, repeated Nanking 231. Shanghai 184.

Clark
  1. Commander in Chief of the Taiwan Defense Headquarters and deputy director of Military and Poltical Affairs for Southeast China.