893.00/3–1949: Telegram
The Consul at Taipei (Edgar) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:55 p. m.]
75. Belief here is that Chen would not have risked going Nanking unless (1) he was fully assured continued control of Taiwan or (2) he was prepared withdraw voluntarily with or without Gimo’s approval. Recent Executive Yuan order concentrating control all Taiwan military and civil organizations in Chen believed last minute move by Sun Fo.1 New powers if recognized by various heads here would include air force, navy, General Sun’s trainee troops plus civil organization holding Nationalist gold reserves and customs. With present concentration military, material and gold, Chen’s strength equals or surpasses Acting President’s. Chen, however, has issued no implementing directives. If this great authority were to pass to sources loyal to Li Tsung-jen and not Gimo, authority of CC planning would have failed and Chen would have betrayed many, which appears contrary [Page 301] his nature. [The fact that?] he has gone to Nanking now, where Ho2 has power, makes me believe he has left a lieutenant here ready keep control by force if Chen’s replacement is tried. Such man can only be General Peng or General Sun Li-jen.
Just informed Sun has received order from Nanking and will comply if enforced but expects revise.
Sent Department 75; repeated Nanking 68.