893.01/4–2649: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:56 p. m.]
Cantel 278. Chu Chang-wei called again today (Cantel 266, April 25; repeated Nanking 220; Shanghai 171), and handed me letter from Li Tsung-jen, translation of which is quoted below, and requested I communicate it to my Government.
Chu was emphatic in his statement that Li Tsung-jen is going to have show-down with Gimo. There must be house-cleaning of Government and Party, particularly removal C–C clique60 elements in Kwangtung and recognition by Gimo and his followers of supreme authority Li Tsung-jen, or Li would remain Kweilin and from there direct defense southwest. He says Li has support military leaders Hunan, Kweichow, Yunnan, Szechuan and Sikang and that local military [Page 277] leaders, not Chang Chun,61 were ones to speak with authority these provinces.
Chu said he was making favorable progress in his discussion and hoped for full statement of support of ECA [Li?] by Kwangtung generals. In any event, decision would be taken in immediate future. In meantime President Li, and he stressed word “President”, requested that remaining ECA62 funds be not obligated without his (Li’s) prior approval. He is particularly anxious no ECA funds be used in Taiwan or other area under Gimo’s influence.
Chu said Li had requested President’s Control and Legislative Yuans visit him Kweilin and he thought both would do so before coming Canton. Chu has promised keep me informed progress his negotiations Canton.
Text letter follows:
“My dear Minister Clark: The peace negotiations between the Chinese Government and the Chinese Communists for which I tried my utmost during the past 3 months have finally broken down due to refusal by the Chinese Communists to change their scheme to conquer entire China by military might. Now the Communist troops have already crossed the Yangtze to threaten Nanking and Shanghai, and their bloodthirsty designs are entirely uncovered. For the purpose of saving the people from rule by brutal force, the Government has decided to defend the southwest and to resist to the last ditch. If the growth of power of the Chinese Communists cannot be checked, it is not only that democracy in China will be destroyed at its root but that world peace will also be endangered. Acting upon our own responsibility, we must forever be determined to fight against this antidemocratic force.
“As Your Excellency no doubt must be concerned with the present situation in China, I therefore have specially designated Mr. Chu Chang-wei to come on my behalf to convey to you my humble views. Your understanding is solicited.
With highest regards, Respectfully yours, Li Tsung-jen (signed).”
Sent Department Cantel 276 [278]; repeated Nanking 225; Shanghai 176.