893.00/11–1249: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 12—1:51 a. m.]
Cantel 1277. We visited Chang Chun afternoon November 11 view our belief he is best balanced source information in Chungking.
Chang stated threat to Chungking need not be expected within 2 to 3 weeks and thus government had not yet considered further move. He discounted possibility further important defections and added [Page 585] that it would probably be government decision, which Pai obliged accept, that Pai should move forces into Kweichow and Yunnan. Every effort, he said, would be made to hold Kweichow and Yunnan. Apparently he hopes movement of Pai forces northwest into Kweichow will slow Communists down.
This connection, Chang declared, defence of Taiwan equally as important as defence of southwest. He felt mistake to employ one against other, and added that Generalissimo and Li to confer “very soon”.
In explanation his resignation as head of SWMPA, Chang said latter lost much importance with presence of Nationalist Government. He prefers devote entire energies to Executive Yuan and Supreme Emergency Council of Kmt.
In general, we gain impression Chang believes days of government Chungking are numbered and that he thinks move to Kunming may be possible.
Sent Department Cantel 1277. Department pass Taipei 216, Hong Kong 59.