893.01/6–549: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 6—10:16 p. m.]
Cantel 531. Choice Yen Hsi-shan, last surviving war lord, as premier, (Cantel 529, June 3; repeated Nanking 360, Shanghai 307) seems further evidence, if further evidence is needed, of complete bankruptcy Kmt leadership. His choice, I believe, was motivated by fact that having been holed up so long in Taiyuan he is neutral in clique bickering which has been going on, and forgetting his past ill deeds, his long stand against Communists in Taiyuan is looked upon in some way as evidence of capability that he can defeat Communists. Yen remains Taiwan and is expected return Canton early next week. Meanwhile Ho Ying-chin Cabinet continues to meet and go through motions of governing. It will be interesting to see composition of Yen’s cabinet as it is most difficult these days find anyone willing serve. Sun Fo88 and his [Page 368] ilk are going abroad in various official capacities, Sun Fo to US to augment staff of Wellington Koo.89
Sent Department Cantel 531; repeated Nanking 361, Shanghai 308.