794A.00/4–850: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
566. Latest developments on Taiwan Democratic Association. Called on Yang Chao-chia, provincial commander civilian affairs.1 Yang stated he associated self with association at this time because did not think it served purpose of Taiwanese in fact might even be dangerous for them; had no popular support; records of most of would-be leaders could not bear inspection. Outside Taipei matter being weighed by potential members who hesitate very much because of this. If leadership good and if platform really appropriate, association would get support.
Yang most anxious work for benefit of Taiwanese but not certain that he would be allowed remain in office or that Chiu Men-tai, who now adviser to Chinese Government will be able influence government take generous attitude toward Taiwanese. Said wished let me know that leaders of association movement were spreading over island that US Government and I, in particular, backing association and would provide “aid”. Chinese Government very suspicious of organization. Yang emphasized bitterness still felt toward mainlanders, fear and oppression which still dominates. Said he regularly has callers who ask him for help in finding members of family or relatives who have disappeared without trace and without legal proceedings. Yang seems honest and fearless and less naive than I once thought.
Yesterday afternoon James Chen called again, said Governor Wu had reversed verbal permission; April 5 sent Peace Preservation Headquarters order jointly signed with Peng Meng-chi2 that organization meeting to be held evening April 6 not to be assembled and force would be used to break it up if order violated. Response my questions Chen stated some of leaders again approached Wu April 6 and argued Wu should permit organization exist as sign of democracy but Wu, unable refute this argument, merely said he would have to refer matter to Generalissimo. He told Chen I could not and would not advocate to Chinese Government any specific organization. Chen then said Lin Ting-li to approach Chen Cheng on matter. I said if association to exist, its leaders must stand on own feet and not seek shelter of US Government, and thanked him for letting me know latest status.
[Page 324]Last evening had Governor and Mrs. Wu for one of our periodical private dinners. Right after dinner Wu asked, “how is your Taiwan Democratic Association coming.” I told him it was not “mine” and then reviewed latest status as told to me by unnamed individuals. Wu said these not true facts, that his written order to Tsai Pei-huo and Yumi Chien was merely that leaders of association were not publicly to announce formation of association until organization details settled and definite principles decided on. Said he had not forbidden organization meeting April 6. Then he explained he did not favor association because there were several factions within group which would soon come into conflict and this would be bad. Said also leaders were letting it be known US Embassy and US Government strongly backing association and when it was formed US Government would supply money and arms; if these were not forthcoming there would be widespread resentment against US.
Told Wu he would, of course, know such claims silly; furthermore, when US failed supply such association, if it existed, I was sure there would be no real repercussions against US or against me personally. Then said wanted him understand before next remarks that I was not pressing Chinese Government behalf any particular group or organization; US Government in accord with tradition was interested in free self-expression of all peoples and in achievement their legitimate aspirations; Taiwanese had certain local interests apart from mainland; they now had no political parties or other groups for expressing views or representing own interests; KMT had been dictatorship for long time and might not understand legitimate desires and needs this direction. Taiwanese were not in position overthrow Chinese Government by any means and both sides knew it; feeling of Taiwanese against mainlanders strong and deep-seated; if Chinese Government continued refuse permit them have own political organizations, full and united resentment against mainlanders would continue and grow; on other hand if Chinese Government permitted political association, much of energy and combative spirit would be dissipated in internal squabbles which would draw some of attention from “evils” of Chinese Government; in the end three or four organizations might be created which would more or less represent political divisions among Taiwanese; these would have legitimate role in provincial politics, would not be united against mainlanders, and would make good impression outside; Chinese Government should give up Soviet theory that it knows better what is good for Taiwanese than do they themselves; this is perfect opportunity for Taiwanese learn democratic procedures refused them by Japanese; Chinese Government only stood to gain.
[Page 325]Wu responded that if I wanted association to come into existence he would at once tell Generalissimo he favored it and it would be accepted. I again told Wu that he should not mistake foregoing as advocacy of any group or association, that I was fully aware of the limitations of the leaders of Taiwan democratic association and even of mendacity of some of them, but principle I was arguing was something Chinese Government should not take lightly because if ignored it was very possible consequences at future date would be serious.
After further discussion (Mrs. Wu taking my side) including forthcoming local elections which Wu thought should satisfy Taiwanese, Wu finally said he could see it my way and that he would advise Generalissimo permit association be formed. I told him to be sure he took this viewpoint on principle and not because he thought US Government wanted this particular association to exist. Wu said he understood, but I am not convinced even he realizes the paramount necessity for Chinese Government cease alienate self from people and permit people have organizations not completely controlled by KMT.
During conversation, Wu asserted he getting full information on activities of association leaders because of deep rifts among them. Said Tsai Pei-huo completely an opportunist; Lin Ting-li merely a gangster but an influential one; Mayor Wusan Lien3 a “clean” man who doing his best administer Taipei.
During next few days I shall try quietly to obtain order put out by Wu and Peng. If terms in accord with what Wu told me, means bulk of leaders lacked intestinal fortitude to continue project without full US protection, whereas if they would cooperate and stand together until association founded they could not fail.
Sent Department 566, repeated Hong Kong 159.