Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

893.00/11–1949: Telegram

The Vice Consul at Kunming (Lutkins) to the Secretary of State

Kunming, November 19, 1949—3 p. m.
[Received November 19—6:43 a. m.]

249. French Consul General reports story from source he calls reliable that Li Tsung-jen on recent visit there tried to persuade Lu Han to desert Generalissimo and form bloc with Pai and him. This bloc would then negotiate with Communists and, if latter’s terms unacceptable, fight on together. According to source, Lu felt unable to accept proposition at time.

Sent Department 249; repeated OffEmb Hong Kong telCan 96; Department pass OffEmb Hong Kong.

Lutkins