893.00/3–1748: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 18—5:25 a. m.]
475. Political and military disintegration is now rapidly approaching the long expected climax. The most spectacular evidence of this is the breakdown of military morale seen not only in lethargy and passive unconcern, but also in refusal to obey orders or even to act in [Page 155] defiance of orders given. Chinese describe this latter phenomenon as deliberately suicidal in terms of national interest. Civil and military officials, both high and low, are grafting or are planning their escape. In the highest circles, Generalissimo listens only to such civilians as Tai Chi-tao,33 the Chen brothers,34 and T. V. Soong, but Chen Kuo-fu is now in disfavor and his brother is less in favor than hitherto. Relations between Generalissimo and Tai are not cordial and T. V. Soong is concentrating on his job in South China. Among many of those hitherto most loyal to Generalissimo, there are definite signs of discontent with his policy. Nor are there any indications of any intention on his part to make the requisite radical changes. In their despair, all groups blame America for urging structural changes, many of which they claim have been undertaken, or reforms which they feel they themselves would carry out if their immediate internal problems were not so acute, while America still delays the long promised aid upon which the survival of democratic institutions depends. At the same time they are proposing that some one be sent to Washington to plead for immediate and adequate assistance. Such names as those of T. V. Soong and Yu Ta-wei35 have been mentioned to me of late for this purpose.
There is a growing tendency to postpone the National Assembly due to convene March 29. Tai Chi-tao supports postponement on the ground that in their efforts to settle controversies over the election of delegates they are using authoritarian methods not unlike the Communists whom they are fighting. Others support postponement on the ground of present inexpediency, or because a suitable name for Vice President has not emerged. Vice President candidates being discussed are Yu Yu-jen, Sun Fo,36 Ho Ying-chin,37 Shang Chen,38 Fu Tso-yi and Li Tsung-jen. Li is opposed by the inner circles around the Generalissimo because of factional bickering and as being too strong a personality to be willing to leave the Generalissimo in complete power. Some urge that the Vice President should be a civilian. Present indications are that Generalissimo will support Yu Yu-jen with all that implies.
Various rather inconsequential attempts are being made among liberals to organize or to issue appeals, but the controlled press and fear of high-handed repression tend to nullify their efforts. There [Page 156] is, however, a nucleus within the party leadership which is planning something of the sort with some hope of results. I have been asked to advocate their cause with Generalissimo, but have replied that I have repeatedly suggested to Generalissimo, without success, that he himself lead such a movement, and that while I still think his endorsement is not entirely impossible, I could perhaps be of more influence in supporting the general idea after their movement had attained substantial proportions. I have added that it seemed to me to be of primary importance that the liberals ensure freedom of publication in party papers for their proposed manifesto.
The long expected climax is rapidly approaching, and although we cannot see the Generalissimo voluntarily relinquishing his power almost anything can happen. There is most definitely accelerated demoralization, dismay and frantic search to save something from the wreckage, coupled with a psychopathic inability to do anything.
- Tai Chuan-hsien, President of the Chinese Examination Yuan.↩
- Chen Li-fu and Chen Kuo-fu.↩
- Chinese Minister of Communications.↩
- President of the Chinese Legislative Yuan.↩
- Chief delegate to the United Nations Military Staff Committee and chief of the Chinese Military Mission in the United States.↩
- Head of the Chinese Mission in Japan and Chinese representative on the Allied Council for Japan.↩