894A.01/11–349: Telegram
The Consul General at Taipei (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 3—4:56 a. m.]
652. Yesterday afternoon K. C. Wu called at his request to discuss progress being made by special committees of Taiwan branch Kmt Extraordinary Committee for defense of Formosa and liberalization of Provincial Government as reported mytel 568, October 10, repeated OffEmb Canton as 208. Civilian group, according to Wu, has run into difficulties with “old duffers of Whampoa clique”25 but he hopes plan [Page 406] will be ready by end this month although committee has set November 15 as deadline. Wu is discouraged by slow progress made and obstacles presented by Whampoa clique old duffers, but is optimistic re eventual outcome. However, he looks tired, harassed, shows strains of overwork and worry and lacked his usual enthusiasm.
Wu reaffirmed his determination to stress the importance on Generalissimo and Kmt Extraordinary Committee of necessity for having Formosans in Provincial Government as a means of gaining confidence of local population and enlisting their support in defense of island. He hopes to make use of Chiang Wei-chuan (mentioned on page 930 of White Paper26) in some capacity for the purpose of rallying the Taiwanese in forming a civilian defense corps. Wu claims that Chiang Wei-chuan has the largest popular following of any Formosan leader and discounts importance of FLR and other independence groups.
Wu said he is endeavoring to promote General Sun Li-jen and influence the Generalissimo and General Chen Cheng to give Sun more support and, according him, both are agreeable but Sun is handicapped also by Whampoa clique old duffers who still exercise considerable power and influence in high quarters.
When plan now under consideration by Taiwan branch Kmt Extraordinary Committee is in rough draft form, Wu said, he will show it to me and Service Attachés for comments and suggestions.
Sent Department, Department pass Chungking.