Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East: China, Volume VII

893.00/4–1748: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State

Nanking, April 17, 1948—2 p. m.
[Received April 17—5:32 a. m.]

699. Tsai Ting-kai³ in strictest confidence today asserted T. V. Soong told Marshal Li [Chi-shen] during recent confidential interview that Government probably will collapse in about 3 months and expressed desire to cooperate with Kmt Revolutionary Committee immediately following Chiang’s loss of power. Tsai also asserted Mme. Sun Yat-sen⁴ actively working for Kmt and has obtained wide support in military, political and educational circles. Tsai implied Li Chi-shen expects to stage military revolt within 6 months, but was impressed with Soong’s estimate.

Above sent Embassy by Hong Kong April 13. On my recent visit Canton, Soong gave no indication that he felt collapse of Government is imminent. However, he stated that he had recently seen Tsai Ting-kai and that he felt Tsai would cooperate with him if the Central Government were to disintegrate.

Stuart

3. Member of the Kuomintang Revolutionary Committee.
4. Sister of Madame Chiang Kai-shek and T. V. Soong.