793.94/11723: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 19—12:40 p.m.]
88. My 82, December 18, 5 p.m. Report believed to be reliable is that the President of the Control Yuan has demanded the resignation of Kung, Minister of Finance; Wang Ching Wei, Chairman of the Central Political Committee, and of Chen Li Fu, Director of the party Publicity Department and all prominent party leaders. Demand is backed by Chang Fa Kuei and other military leaders regarded as pro-Communist and includes release of political prisoners, withdrawal of all restriction on mass movements and general change in military strategy, although this information was received by Stilwell from the recognized Chinese Communist agent in Hankow who added that the Reds hope to gain control of the party Publicity Department.
Please communicate substance to the War Department. Repeated to Peiping for relay to Tokyo.