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Jones, Howard Palfrey 1899- 1973

Howard Palfrey Jones was a United States diplomat whose career was focused on Southeast and East Asia. Between March 1958 and April 1965, Jones served as the United States Ambassador to Indonesia during the last years of the Sukarno presidency.

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Popular Documents

September 23, 1952

Despatch No. 146 from American Embassy Taipei to the Department of State, 'Political Report for July and August 1952'

Discusses various political developments in Taiwan during 1952, including the Legislative Yuan's ratification of the Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty and Taiwan's diplomatic and military strategies. It also highlights the growing influence of General Chiang Ching-kuo, the land reform program, and concerns about the recognition of "two Chinas." The document underscores Taiwan's firm stance against Communist participation in international forums like the International Red Cross Conference and its efforts to align closer with Japan for mutual security and economic benefits.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.


 

March 23, 1953

Despatch No. 512 from American Embassy Taipei to the Department of State, 'Discussion of Chiang Ching-kuo and the Resignation of Governor K.C. Wu with Foreign Minister George Yeh'

Covers discussions with Foreign Minister George Yeh regarding Chiang Ching-kuo’s role and the resignation of Governor K.C. Wu. Yeh described Chiang's political position as primarily serving under his father’s direction rather than independently amassing power, while the resignation of Governor Wu was attributed to conflicts within Taiwan’s government structure, which Yeh suggested could ease if Wu were replaced or reassigned​.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

 

September 29, 1952

Despatch No. 159 from American Embassy Taipei to the Department of State, 'Comments on the Forthcoming Meeting of the Kuomintang by a Member of the Legislative Yuan'

The despatch discusses the anticipated shifts in political influence ahead of the Kuomintang’s October 10 convention, as analyzed by a Legislative Yuan member. The informant highlights four major factions within the party—CC Clique, Chen Cheng’s group, Chiang Ching-kuo’s faction, and independents—predicting Chiang Ching-kuo's rising dominance, though his influence remains veiled. The despatch also notes speculation regarding potential changes in the Prime Minister’s position​.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

May 2, 1951

Despatch No. 544 from American Embassy Taipei to the Department of State, 'Comment of SHEN Ch'ang-huan on the Position of General CHIANG Ching-kuo'

The document details remarks made by Dr. Shen Ch'ang-huan on May 16 about General Chiang Ching-kuo's role in Taiwan's government. Dr. Shen dismisses foreign perceptions of Chiang Ching-kuo as a "crown prince," emphasizing that Taiwan operates under constitutional rule and that Chiang's influence is not as extensive as some observers assume. It also highlights internal discussions about Chiang's political role and the broader governance structure.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

June 14, 1952

Despatch No. 582 from American Embassy Taipei to the Department of State, 'Replacement of Taiwan Provincial Kuomintang Chairman'

The despatch details the replacement of Ni Wen-ya as Chairman of the Taiwan Provincial Kuomintang Headquarters by Shang-Kuan Yeh-yu in 1952. The change was attributed to Ni's alleged failure in leadership and the infiltration of a Communist agent into party ranks. The decision, initiated under Chiang Kai-shek's authority, reflects his broad control over the Kuomintang and suggests an effort to consolidate power for his son, Chiang Ching-kuo​.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.