893.00/9–2849: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 28—12:12 p. m.]
Cantel 1147. Chu Chang-wei82 informed Embassy that after heated debate Generalissimo83 agreed permit forces under his control remain north of Canton in present line of defense and will move in additional numbers of Liu An-chi’s troops from Hainan to vicinity Canton. This is major gain for President Li Tsung-jen.
Chu states Yu Han-mou84 and Hsueh Yueh85 have pledged loyalty to Li Tsung-jen. From general conversation it may be concluded Li and Pai Chung-hsi86 are attempting win, and hopeful of doing so, Liu An-chi to their side. Liu, regarded as key to maintenance of current defense line, described as torn between sentimental loyalty to Generalissimo and realistic understanding of importance cooperation with Pai Chung-hsi forces. Pai stated to have-advised Liu that any distribution of material and money he may be in position: make later on will include Liu on equitable basis.
Reference Generalissimo, Chu declared President Li again insisting on appointment Pai as Minister National Defense. Generalissimo said to be balking again on grounds generals would not accept order from Pai and would prefer resignation. Chu said: “Let them resign”, and added that Generalissimo knows such resignations would seriously weaken his influence. Li remaining firm in refusing confirm appointment of Tang En-po87 in Fukien; has returned commission to Executive Yuan with written refusal. Chu believes Generalissimo will simply continue Tang in his position, but this will place responsibility [Page 541] squarely on Generalissimo for his; failure Nationalist camp believes Communists will require lengthy pause after capture Amoy before beginning further advance. Absence roads Fukien–Kwangtung will alone delay them.
Chu stated Chang Chun,88 who still Canton, says Generalissimo resolved nothing Szechuan, that former impasse between Chang and Governor Wang Ling-chi still as bad as ever; impasse created by Generalissimo who now unable settle it. Chu does admit Generalissimo made gain in Yunnan but Lu Han89 not to be trusted for long, thus necessary move loyal troops in. Pai and Li want to do so whenever can be spared from front north of Canton and thus hope obtain control of province for last ditch stand, together with Kweichow, Kwangsi and parts of Hunan and Kwangtung. Chu indicated that if capital must be moved from Canton, Chungking is not now regarded as the place for it.
Chu renewed plea for expression of US support for Li and Pai and stated that immediately after such assurance received Li would break with Generalissimo and take own independent action at head of “liberals”; felt many generals nominally loyal to Generalissimo would come into Li and Pai camp since they dissatisfied with Generalissimo activities and attitude; claimed Generalissimo able pay way only few months longer but admitted Generalissimo now intends support forces and government on continent for further period.
Chu concluded with plea that Military Attaché90 be assigned remain with Pai’s forces to observe and report on their quality and capacity. Reiterated that Li desires have high ranking US military officer make survey and urged that US “take a chance” on backing Li, who would put forth real effort against Communists.
Sent Department Cantel 1147, repeated Shanghai 549, Taipei 177, by hand to Hong Kong unnumbered.
- Secretary and political adviser to Acting President Li Tsung-jen.↩
- Chiang Kai-shek, who retired as President on January 21, 1949.↩
- Military and Political Affairs Director for South China.↩
- Governor of Kwangtung.↩
- Military and Political Affairs Director for Central China and former Chinese Minister of National Defense.↩
- Deputy Director of Military and Political Affairs for Southeast China.↩
- Military and Political Affairs Director for Southwest China.↩
- Governor of Yunnan.↩
- Brig. Gen. Robert H. Soule.↩