893.00/10–949: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 11—12:26 p. m.]
Cantel 1180. Despite general feeling Canton will be entered by Communists in 2 weeks time, city remains calm. In usual Chinese style, recriminations are now filling political atmosphere, one side claiming Generalissimo by interference and failure promptly to grant Pai full military authority had made Pai’s position untenable, while other side accuses Pai of pulling back intentionally. Talk of greater unity prevalent few days ago has ended. So far Nationalists have preserved main forces intact.
Chang Chun8 stated October 7 that, unless events of next 4 or 5 days favorable, government would move to Chungking in much less than month. Foreign Office Oct. 8 declared definitely that, at such time as decision made leave Canton, government would proceed Chungking. Li–Pai faction does not wish move government Chungking, and hinting to foreign correspondents outside chance for Kunming. Our feeling is government will have no choice; Generalissimo has chosen Chungking. Unless situation stabilized north of Canton, Foreign Office will probably inform diplomats of move shortly after Double Tenth,9 which to be celebrated by reception given by President Li and cocktail party by Minister Foreign Affairs.10
Sent Department Cantel 1180, repeated Shanghai 561, Taipei 192, by hand Hong Kong.