893.00/6–1048: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 11—1:48 a. m.]
1059. General Ho, Minister National Defense, called on me June 7. I told him that with his assumption new post he must inevitably bear some responsibility for deteriorating military situation. I then informed him of my June 5 interview with Chiang, in which he agreed in principle to leaving routine details of military operations to Minister National Defense and General Barr, who would refer to Chiang only major policy issues.
He then discussed General Ku Chu-tung16 and prospect getting more competent Chief of Staff. General Ho stated that General Pai Chung-hsi17 has definitely and finally declined to serve as anti-bandit suppression commander for central China. We decided to await Chiang’s reaction to this before discussing new Chief of Staff with him.
I then summarized the opinion of my military advisors on some of actions needed in present situation: (1) an overall strategic plan to be followed consistently; (2) change to strategy of attacking instead of passive defense, (3) emphasis on replacement training centers to fit troops for combat under better trained officers. General Ho took careful notes on these points and agreed to confer again soon.
In course of conversation General Ho referred to his difficulties in his dealings with Chiang.