Office of the Historian

893.00/5–949: Telegram

The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State

Canton, May 9, 1949—7 p. m.
[Received May 11—1:17 p. m.]

Cantel 338. As result exchange letters with Generalissimo, Li Tsung-jen has come Canton. I do not believe, however, that his presence Canton materially changes picture portrayed Cantel 320, May 5, repeated Nanking 248, Shanghai 202, but represents merely further jockeying for position. Tung Kwan-hsien, President Legislative Yuan and Li’s supporter, informs us that introductory part of Li’s letter to Generalissimo pointed out that, although Communists were harsh in their peace terms, responsibility present situation really rested on government. Li went on to propose that he would go abroad to solicit foreign aid while Generalissimo would again assume control of government. Finally Li stated that if Generalissimo insisted on [Page 300] staying in retirement he must have satisfactory assurances on following:

1.
Li must have full authority direct government administration;
2.
Nationalist Defense Ministry must have full control all government troops;
3.
Gold, silver and foreign exchange reserve now Taiwan must be placed at government disposal;
4.
All military equipment stored Taiwan must be placed at government disposal;
5.
Kmt must not interfere with operation of constitutional government by devices such as proposed super-policy organ;
6.
Generalissimo must go abroad and solicit foreign aid.

Li concluded by saying that unless satisfactory assurances were forthcoming he would remain Kweilin.

Generalissimo’s answers which reached Canton Friday are:

1.
As Acting President, Li can exercise all his constitutional powers;
2.
That Generalissimo did not himself set any precedent for field commanders to destroy government orders; that he cannot guarantee that all government orders will be obyed by commanders, even if he himself were in command, and advised Li to try to restore discipline;
3.
That since all gold, silver and foreign exchange belonged to the government, Li of course can make use of them;
4.
That all military equipment would be at disposal of government;
5.
That he would cause no interference by the party;
6.
That since China has not yet been conquered by any foreign country, he (Generalissimo) should still enjoy freedom to live where he wills.

Although I shall inquire more deeply and report further, these moves seem, on their face, largely for the record. Li tried put Generalissimo on spot by requesting in writing the assurances he was demanding of respect for his authority. Generalissimo could not afford to do other than assure Li of his complete innocence of past crimes or future intention to interfere in any way. Nevertheless, given the character of his responses, Li felt it necessary come Canton, resume authority and ascertain whether Generalissimo will in fact behave. My best judgment is that he won’t and that these maneuvers merely delay disintegration and that eventually Li will be led publicly to denounce Generalissimo and his machinations.

Repeated Nanking 260.

Clark