893.20/9–1649: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 17—12:36 a. m.]
Cantel 1114. Following self-explanatory telegram sent by AstALUSNA14 Canton to CNO (DNI)15 info ComSeventh Fleet16 and ALUSNA17 Nanking.
[Page 549]“130730Z September: American eyes only. President Li Tsung-jen requests following message be passed Vice Admiral Badger for his information:
“‘Chinese Government Canton is in extremely critical position. Within next week or 10 days decisive battle expected Hunan which will decide fate Canton. General Pai Chung-hsi will face combined armies Lin Piao and Liu Po-chen. Generalissimo’s actions indicate we can expect no support from Air Force and funds for Canton Government from Taiwan be completely stopped near future with no hope future Taiwan financial aid. Without funds our Government will collapse. If US intends any military, financial or moral backing, regardless amount, the time is now. Our position is critical.’ End message.
“AstALUSNA Canton was called Canton by President Li and Pai Chung-hsi. Chiang Kai-shek is up to old tactics intervening in direct military command. Li and Pai fully convinced Chiang determined destroy, discredit Li Government by old tactics, then retire Taiwan await coming third world war. Example, air supplies Hengyang area. Three B–24’s sent this purpose. Week ago these bombers withdrawn to Chungking. Li and Pai protest unavailing. Ku Chu-tung18 said withdrawal direct order Generalissimo.
“During recent fighting army commanders on Pai’s left and right flank withdrew leaving Pai exposed. Again Generalissimo direct orders. On Hankow-Canton railroad Pai protecting northern, Yu Han-mou protecting southern. Gap occurred between Pai and Yu forces which Communists attempted exploiting, Pai and Yu closed gap with picked troops and repulsed Communists. Generalissimo furious, gave direct orders Yu Han-mou keep all troops back Canton. As yet Yu has not complied.
“Generalissimo also caused withdrawal all vitally needed ammo and bomb reserves Canton area to Taiwan. Recent ship explosion Kaohsiung one these withdrawal loads. Li states Generalissimo notified him that all funds for Canton Government from Taiwan would cease 1 October. After that date Canton Government would have maintain itself best it could. Li and Pai believe Generalissimo extended visit Chungking area due three objectives: (1) More convenient interfere military command decisions and contact field commanders for Generalissimo benefit, (2) to satisfy himself with resistance against Communists in Canton area so can advertise his personal efforts to do all he can, (3) to encourage and circulate petitions among people which demand his public return as leader free Chinese people thereby discrediting Li efforts. Comment: During meeting Li appeared fresh, alert, kindly as ever, although he and Pai had been in conference all during day and evening. Pai appeared tired, thoughtful, but with usual dry humor. At no time did their statements of present situation imply threats, demands or pleadings in reference to aid. They stated simple facts and expectations. They obviously consider immediate financial or military aid, in whatever amount, the only hope of saving present government against Communists and freeing it of the Generalissimo.”