893.9111 RR/12–2049: Telegram
The Consul at Taipei (Edgar) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 20—9:08 a. m.]
858. Local papers December 20 carried following on PPC objection to K. C. Wu’s personnel lineup:
Prov. PPC which began 8th general session December 19 decided indefinite recess same day, objection unsatisfactory appointment certain members new Taiwan Province Government. Objection first brought up by Kaohsiung representative Huang Lien-teng who declared:
“Prov. Commission has included traitors and one who collaborated Japanese suppression own fellow countrymen and even betrayed own elder brother to Japanese. Inclusion such elements in government not only renders local administration hopeless but also affects Communist suppression and blackens future of China”.
Huang’s objection immediately supported by several PPC members including Penghu (Pescadores) representative Hsieh Han-ju who declared
“It is to be regretted (1) Government has carelessly announced list members Prov. Government, (2) did not inform PPC of these appointments [Page 449] beforehand although Dr. Wu claimed to organize a government of people”.
After 2-hour secret session PPC arrived at following four-point decision: (1) support Governor K. C. Wu but urge Government reconsider appointment several members Prov. Government who do not command confidence of people, (2) request Government consult Prov. PPC regarding appointment directors, bureau heads, (3) urge Government complete local self-government in hsien and cities next year as already decided, effect new election Prov. PPC whose term already expired, (4) effect indefinite recess until Government accepts foregoing three points. After meeting PPC called on Generalissimo who expressed hope (1) unity consolidate strength, (2) PPC resume session December 20. He assured Government respect for popular opinions; K. C. Wu subsequently accepted points 2 and 3 and urged PPC reconsider request in order help maintain Government prestige and give [garbled group] chance try [garble]. Governor Chen told reporters last night: Government will effect satisfactory settlement re personnel dispute, Dr. Wu will respect PPC opinions, local self-government will be enforced 1950. He urged “unity for sake general situation”.
In public statement, Wong Chien, Taiwanese Vice Civil Affairs Commissioner concurrently Chairman Taiwan local Self-Government Association (civic organization), avoided direct comment on dispute but said new lineup has broadened base Government. [“]Both Government and people must be careful and place nation before anything else.” Taiwanese members Yu Mi-chien, Li Yu-pang, Yang Chao-chia, Chen Tien-shun reportedly declining appointment. Some others expressed opinion that their acceptance entirely rests with desire of Government. New Civil Affairs Commissioner Chiang Wei-chuan declared will not make any personnel change in his department except in posts of chief secretary, cashier and custodian of official seal. Government changeover will take place December 21 as scheduled despite PPC objection.
Editorials—Kwng Lwi Pao (Young China Party), Chuan Min Jih Pao (operated by group government officials Mayor Yu Mi-chien, General Wang Cheng-chang, banker Liu Chi-kuang, etc.) fully supported PPC objection which is “undoubtedly representative popular opinion” and urged government “seek immediate remedy”. First paper said: “Confronting issue is how consolidate people’s good-will and concentrate local talents, which can be attained only by appointing the virtuous capable who command respect of people. In his regard, opinions local population should be valuable to Government”. Both [Page 450] Chung Hua Jih Pao (Kmt), Shao Tang Pao (military Kmt) disapproved PPC recess as “may not be unanimous wish of people”.
Worried by possible result of PPC objection, and urged forbearance and mutual toleration for sake of nation. Chung Yang Jih Pao (Kmt from Nanking) maintained dispute is “normal phenomenon unavoidable in democratic government”. Hoped “will not cause split between people and Government which will seek reasonable means to obtain reasonable compromise”.