893.00/11–1649: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 17—9:17 a. m.]
Cantel 1285. In private talk last evening, Chang Tu-lun, chief of political section SWMPA, stated Gimo here not to discuss move of capital but rather measures to improve conditions in army and regrouping of forces to defend Szechuan. He said he and other[s] like him feel most keenly the present impasse between President Li and Gimo.
[Page 600]In discussing site of capital, Chang felt Kunming out of question with very slight likelihood on Nanning, Paoshan (Yunnan) or Hsichaichang (Sikang). Said Paoshan could support only 30,000 troops and Hsichang 100,000 at very maximum. In his opinion Chungking is essential.
With regard guerrilla warfare, Chang said possible lay plans but fighters must have something behind them; although possible favor group of liberals to form guiding committee, he seemed feel rather futile and said that resistance would have to generate itself in local areas and could not be prearranged. He indicated that present emphasis is on using trained men to help locals organize in those areas where people of themselves wished resist.
Chang mirrored prevailing gloom and depression and feeling of nearness of end.
Pouched Taipei, Hong Kong, Kunming.