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  4. Document 130

793.00/1–350: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Peiping

secret
Washington, January 5, 1950—7 p. m.

6. Fol brief summary Shanghai’s 26 Jan. 3 Nr 10 to Peiping.1 While Congen Shanghai2 doubts that Gen Chen Yi is at present “potential [Page 270] Tito”, rumors persist that Chen “more Chi than Commie”, ambitious, at odds with strict party-liners Jao Shou-shih3 and Chen Yun,4 in disfavor with Mao who fears his popularity and susceptibility to bourgeois temptations. Congen notes biography, cultural background, popularity, self-will, ambition, war record, votes recd during early stages formation Peiping regime all indicating he may likely seek regional power and to resist covertly any pronounced pro-Sov trends his area. However his future depends on whether he able fulfill reported assignment to take Taiwan.

Acheson
  1. Not printed.↩
  2. Walter P. McConaughy, American Consul General at Shanghai.↩
  3. Chairman of the East China Military and Political Council, Political Commissar of the East China Military District and Political Commissar of the Third Field Army.↩
  4. Chairman of the Committee on Finance and Economics, People’s Republic of China.↩