893.20/9–349: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 3—12:28 p. m.]
Cantel 1066. Chu Chang-wei today made following statements of interest: Supreme Policy Committee requested Generalissimo transfer one army Taiwan to Kwangtung as necessary and adequate defend Canton area. Generalissimo refused. Thus news reports of reinforcements from Taiwan completely false.
Fu Tso-yi “escaped” from Peiping in some style with regiment his troops and about 20 staff members and officers. Chu believes Communists arranged departure order allow Fu to take over 90,000 troops now controlled by Governor Suiyuan and probably confident Fu will then remain neutral or quiescent, thus eliminating a troublesome area for Communists. Nationalist Government hopes win Fu over and President Li has offered meet him. Although his message sent 3 days ago, no reply yet received.
Sent Department Cantel 1066, repeated Nanking 644, Shanghai 524.