Office of the Historian

893.00/1–2049: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State

Nanking, January 20, 1949—11 a. m.
[Received January 20—3:51 a. m.]

152. In January 19 interview with officer of Embassy, Naval Attaché and Assistant Military Attaché, Kan Chieh-hou8 stated that Generalissimo has issued instructions [to] police to keep Vice President under surveillance and prevent his leaving Nanking. Vice President plans stay here long as possible in hope Generalissimo will respond popular pressure and resign, but admits this very [Page 58] forlorn hope. Expects that he will be forced leave capital with Generalissimo, but has plans for flight to Hankow or Kwangsi join Pai Chung-hsi.9 Plan involves escape to Wuhu, where Kwangsi military unit stationed.

Kan also stated Pai Chung-hsi now in process forming bloc including northwestern Moslem leaders, Sikang, Szechuan, Yunnan, and Kwangtung. Exploratory conversations have been held with leaders these provinces, but apparently no firm agreement exists. Vice President has advised Pai open negotiations with Communists soon as possible and Pai has intention so doing. Both Pai and Vice President believe this action will result in solid adherence above-mentioned leaders to bloc since most of them already seeking means cast off affiliations Nanking. As regards Kwangtung, Kan said Generalissimo controls only small segment of province with balance divided between Chen Chi-tangy10 Li Chi-shen, Chang Fa-kwei,11 and Yu Han-mou.12 Latter, controlling strategically important Kukong area, more loyal to Vice President than to Generalissimo and could be expected join Pai at proper time. Also, Kan spoke as though Pai already sure of Kwangchow-wan and Luichow Peninsula.

Kan expressed believe [belief] negotiations with Communists possible on basis terms offered Mao Tse-tung January 14 statement. Said Vice President favors making offer on basis accepting Mao’s points in principle while negotiating over details with both sides agreeing cease-fire and Li Chi-shen serving as mediator. Says this program accepted by peace advocated [advocates] in Government, but adamantly opposed by Generalissimo and C-C clique. Local Soviet Embassy was asked if peace possible through such program and replied in affirmative.

Sent Department 152, pouched Consuls China.

Stuart
  1. Secretary to Vice President Li Tsung-jen.↩
  2. Military and Political Affairs Director for Central China.↩
  3. Governor of Hainan Island.↩
  4. Former Director of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek’s Headquarters at Canton.↩
  5. Military and Political Affairs Director for South China.↩