893.00B/11–1049: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 12—5:43 a. m.]
Cantel 1273. Minister Interior Li Han-hun stated November 8 four Communist Armies based west Hunan being used in compaign into Kweichow. Claimed Communist forces in Hupeh which recently captured Patung and Enshih are not strong and are not to be considered threat to Szechwan. Said Pai Chung-hsi to strengthen Kweichow which now included in his command. He reiterated remarks made earlier by Foreign Minister Yeh re split of government into island and continental groups. Said, although he and many friends did not feel third stage [world?] war near, must stay on mainland in event it does come. He then asked US Government take steps to persuade Generalissimo give up concept of island fortress since continental group unable do so. Said Generalissimo doing poorly on Taiwan and Hainan, conditions being very unhappy.
Li then renewed his earlier plea for US aid to continental group. In his opinion China problem is for US, not China, to solve. He also thinks it is up to US to see that aid given his group does not get into Generalissimo’s hands.
[Page 584]For some obscure reason, Li says he hopes to have good news for Embassy when he returns from Kunming next week.
Sent Department; pouched Hong Kong, Kunming.