026 China/8–1849: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 18—12:47 p. m.]
Cantel 981. Generalissimo’s sudden desire check over Chinese Government response to White Paper (Cantel 966, repeated Taipei 129, August 16) thoroughly annoyed Li Tsung-jen camp, according to Cheng Szu-yuan. Latter feels this further proof, as if any needed, that Generalissimo insists on being consulted and having his own way on everything, large and small.
Cheng says Foreign Office statement (Cantel 968, repeated Taipei 130, August 17) was written by Generalissimo and Wang-Shih-chieh70 with George Yeh acting only as messenger boy. Cheng adds Generalissimo objected to original statement approved by Kmt Supreme Policy Committee (Cantel 935, repeated Taipei 118, August 13) on two grounds: (1) Lacked factual refutation charges made in White Paper; (2) Generalissimo wants to withhold lengthy statement until Congress’ opinion regarding China aid crystallized, then suit statement to prevailing US official opinion.
If what Cheng says is true, and provided situation does not change too drastically in meantime, seems quite possible fuller Chinese Government statement will be made “at appropriate time”.
Sent Department Cantel 981, repeated Taipei 135.
- Former Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs.↩