893.00/11–2948: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 29—7:02 a. m.]
2358. Madame Chiang’s appearance in Washington, and the imminent Communist military threat to Nanking, should focus attention on China. As you know, she is coming to Washington to plead the cause of her husband and request increased military and moral support for the present National Government. She undoubtedly will [Page 610] make an effective impression on Congress and Congressional Committees. She will undoubtedly win the sympathy of the American people.
The present attitude of most leaders in Government and in civic affairs is that they do not want Generalissimo in control of national affairs nor do they want communism, but he is the lesser of two evils. American policy will influence course of events in China. We are confronted with the choice of aiding a leader who has not only lost the support of his own people but has allowed the military situation deteriorate to a point where Barr67 is convinced it is too late to be retrieved even with immediate American advice and matériel, or of witnessing the establishment of a Communist-dominated coalition. If we hold out no hope to Madame Chiang of increased military assistance, Generalissimo will probably yield to the strong pressure from Kmt to delegate powers to others. But by same token these others will probably then feel compelled to compromise with victorious Communists. On the other hand, should Madame Chiang be given assurances of increased and continuing military aid, we can expect a continuance of the Generalissimo in power, with his ineffective manner of handling affairs, and a rising tide of resentment against us for prolonging the war.
- Maj. Gen. David G. Barr, Director of the Joint U. S. Military Advisory Group, China (JUSMAG).↩