868.00/3–2848: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 28—4:19 a. m.]
553. Last minute efforts of Chen Li-fu and other party leaders to settle National Assembly election dispute having failed, Generalissimo [Page 170] himself was forced to intervene. During past 3 days he separately received representatives of petition-nominated electees and of Kmt Party nominees who failed of election. Press reports indicate he succeeded in persuading considerable number from both groups to withdraw their demands.
Having prepared the ground Generalissimo today announced following formula for settlement of dispute: (1) In disputes involving only Kmt members, candidate receiving largest number of votes shall be considered elected; (2) in disputes between Kmt members and members of friendly parties, Kmt member shall yield to minor party candidate. General election office has been instructed to issue certificates of election in accordance this formula. Making announcement in dual capacity of head of state and leader of party, he called on party members to sacrifice personal interests for good of country so that constitutional democracy might be achieved, party discipline enforced and cooperation with other parties strengthened.
Compromise formula represents defeat for party leadership, particularly CC Clique, which has labored tirelessly to enforce party mandate in all cases in dispute and it is victory for minor parties, who, well-aware of their impregnable position as Kmt’s sole “flower vase of democracy” in National Assembly, obstinately refused to accept anything less than full quota promised them by Kmt. Assembly can now open, but only at cost of several hundred disgruntled Kmt members forced to give up their seats.
Assembly will open March 29. Up through March 27, 1033 delegates had registered and 1032 more reported en route Nanking. After opening ceremony Assembly may be adjourned for day or two until quorum of two-thirds have arrived. If quorum not then present, we believe Assembly will be “packed” to insure its convocation.