893.20/7–2349: Telegram
The Consul General at Taipei (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 24—4:04 a. m.]
309. Sun Li-jen last night told Edgar following:
Just returned from Foochow supervising installation 6,000 his trained troops. Number inadequate and as usual split group trained as unit. However, civilian welcome was good and immediately improved morale, other troops there underpaid and underfed. On leaving, Sun gave his troops personal guarantee adequate supplies.
Sun also excited prospect officer training 10,000 students 18 to 21 now Pintung and new indoctrination course for higher officers to renew will to fight.
Preparations started [garbled group] 320,000 troops supposedly on Taiwan. Board expects find 25 percent paper soldiers. After check groups will be consolidated into complete units and treatment improved. (Chen only told us about combining under-strength units.)
[Page 365]Sun been promised command defense of island but no order received. Claims Chen Cheng initiated supreme headquarters’ idea to gain control Navy, Air Force and now, annoyed at creation of Political and Military Commissions, is refusing drop Governorship for new command in attempt at bargain. Yu Ta-wei89 acceptable to Chen as Governor but Yu hesitant due Chen’s practice of interference at low levels.
Sun described K. C. Wu as primarily politician trying please everyone, too cautious, afraid direct action (this criticism also heard in Shanghai too). Confirmed Wu report that Generalissimo now able hear criticism without anger but Sun less hopeful real basic improvement while some intimates continue on. Cited Wang Shih-chieh presence at Baguio. Fall of Canton will result further consolidating old guard, like wounded beast at bay.
Sent Department; repeated Off Emb Canton 132.
- Former Chinese Minister of Communications.↩