Sunday, 21 April

Afternoon rain

In the morning, Liu Kai came and told me about what he had discussed with Ye Gongchao. Gongchao asked him whether I had decided to live in Taiwan and what type of job I intended to do. Liu Kai told him that on the day of my arrival in Taiwan, I had felt so heartened by the enthusiastic welcome at the airport.   And after when I had spoken with Chiang Ching-kuo I indicated to him that if it were the case that Chiang Kai-shek really wanted me to stay in Taiwan, I could not refuse. I would agree only to take up posts which were of a consultative and research capacity and I would be unwilling absolutely to take up any work on actual administration and diplomacy.

On Tuesday, after the president had talked to Chiang Ching-kuo, he made the same indications to Mr. Zhang Qun. Therefore, Gongchao said that Zhang Qun had discussed with him that he intended to nominate me for the position of Political Consultant (filling the vacancy left behind by Gu Weijun), and Gongchao asked Liu Kai if I would be willing to accept. Liu Kai replied that probably I would accept and he agreed to come and discuss it with me. Liu Kai thought that Ye Gongchao still wants to be Minister of Foreign Affairs and he was certainly satisfied that I did not want to take up any work on actual administration and diplomacy. I told Liu Kai that I am quite willing to accept this vacancy as Political Consultant or Advisor. I felt that Gongchao had made great efforts in the past few years, and that the results were really quite encouraging. What I had said was the absolute truth.  I certainly do not want to take up any post with actual work to do. In the coming few days I shall tell Gongchao myself. Liu Kai also told me about his personal problems. I urged him not to insist upon resigning his current post.  He would be better off to wait for a transfer, such as a vacancy to be stationed in the United States. Nevertheless for now, I told Liu Kai that he should not say anything. As for his misunderstanding with Chiang Ching-Kuo, I would try to explain for him if there was an opportunity.

At noon, Chen[1] invited me to Datong to eat Cantonese dim sum. I came with Baoshen and Zhongxiong. After lunch, I took a walk and ate watermelon. Then I returned to House of Freedom with Baoshen and took an afternoon nap.

I wrote a reply to Kitty, telling her about the complete failure of the sugar business and what had happened. I also wrote to Jeannie, so that she understands our financial situation and would not make unreasonable requests. I showed Zhongxiong the two letters. I instructed Zhongxiong to reply to her by letter directly and tell her what had really happened so she could decide what she would do herself.

Tan Baoshen invited us to have Japanese food.[2] It was inexpensive and tasty. Mr. Shen Qi also came with us. Afterwards, Tan Baoshen returned to school. I went out to eat watermelon with Shen Qi and Zhongxiong.  I bought two Aloha shirts and a pair of shoes. At 11:00 p.m., I returned to the hotel and discussed with Zhongxiong his affairs until 12:00 midnight.

[1] Fu Bingchang did not write the name.

[2] Fu Bingchang did not write down the name of the restaurant.