893.01/4–2549: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:27 p. m.]
Cantel 266. Chu Chang-wei,48 who occupies with Li Tsung-jen position similar to that of Kan Chieh-hou,49 is in Canton as representative Li, sounding out Kwangtung generals as to whether they want Li to remain in authority or want Generalissimo return. He tells me that at meeting between Generalissimo and Li at Hangchow, Generalissimo suggested reconstitution national war committee with Generalissimo as chairman, Li Tsung-jen and Sun Fo50 vice chairmen. Li had refused agree such action, according Chu, insisting that either Generalissimo resume presidency or let him (Li) continue with full authority unhampered by intervention Generalissimo. Chu confirmed that Generalissimo had blocked Li’s efforts resist Communists’ crossing Yangtze, Generalissimo being stubbornly convinced defense could be better prepared on Chientang line. Li is bitter, he says, at Generalissimo’s obstruction from behind scenes and unless he can obtain full authority and removal abroad [of] Generalissimo, he will retire to Kwangsi and fight from there. If Kwangtung generals side with Li, one of them—either Hsueh Yueh51 or Yu Han-mou,52 will return with Chu to Kweilin. Chu is bringing me tomorrow personal letter from Li Tsung-jen who apparently desires our advice. Will report further when letter arrives.
Sent Department Cantel 266, repeated Nanking 220, Shanghai 171.