893.00/8–1149: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 14—3:39 a. m.]
Cantel 923. Ku Meng-yu called by appointment today obviously to sound out our reaction toward possibility creation third force China. Ku was Dean Peking University early 1920’s; Kmt Minister Publicity during northern expedition; Minister Railways before World War II; Chancellor National Central University before VJ Day; resided in US number years during and after war; and returned China about year ago and was offered Premiership by Li Tsung-jen after fall Sun Fo Cabinet.
Ku inquired as to our reaction in event there developed third force China recruited from liberals in Kmt and outside which would cast [Page 483] aside Generalissimo and reactionary elements, endeavoring present people’s reforms and alternative both. Kmt and Communists. He said Fu [he?] thought we and Britain allowed our interests suffer through legalistic approach such problems. He cited our support Yuan Shih-kai when he was legitimate President,73 denying assistance to Sun Yat-sen when he really represented dynamic force which could have been directed along course in our interests. Ku said he was convinced that Sun Yat-sen turned to Soviets at that time74 only because he had been denied support by US and Britain. He hoped that US would not permit diplomatic or legalistic niceties to lead US into continued support of a Generalissimo regime or a forthcoming Communist regime at the expense of liberal elements which might coalesce and offer resistance even though technically illegal to constituted authority in China.
I explained to Ku that our interest was not in an individual or in cliques, but in effective resistance to Communism in China. I said that, speaking personally as I was without instructions, I felt sure my Government would view with pleasure the emergence of any group or groups in China giving promise of effective resistance to Communism, would study situation created by emergence of such groups, and aid them to the extent found feasible under the circumstances existing at the time.
This was the assurance, I am convinced, that was sought by Ku Meng-yu and he will proceed with his plan. His reticence and his unwillingness to admit even in broad outline, however, what his real plan is made it impossible to ascertain exactly what he has in mind or whether his activities are known to Li Tsung-jen with whom he is most friendly.
Suspect we will encounter more like Ku Meng-yu seeking new means of resistance to Communism as realization becomes more widespread that present phase is reaching its conclusion.
Sent Dept. Cantel 923; repeated Nanking 609, Shanghai 489, Taipei 112.