Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1936, The Far East, Volume IV

893.00/13692: Telegram

The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State

Nanking, September 5, 1936—noon.
[Received September 5—10:50 a.m.]

260. My 255, September 1, 10 a.m.⁹³

1. According to the press, Wang Chung Hui did not accompany the Peace Mission to Nanning on account of illness and the mission’s journey was delayed by weather. Reuter at Canton reports September 4 that the Peace Conference at Nanning has come to a deadlock because Li Tsung Jen and Pai Chung Hsi insist that, (1) they remain at Kwangsi as Pacification Commissioner and Vice-Commissioner and, (2) Li Chi Sen be appointed Kwangsi Chairman. It is stated that Chiang Kai Shek’s representatives were to return to Canton yesterday.

2. We have so far been unable to obtain reliable information concerning the Nanning negotiations or the plans of the Government if the deadlock continues. As opposed to the statement of a Foreign Office official under cover in paragraph 3 of the telegram under reference, I am informed by a senior officer of the Executive Yuan that the Government will in no circumstances, other than an attack by Japanese, launch into contests, although its position is legally and ethically correct, because it fears that it cannot rely upon Han Fu Chu, Sung Che Yuan, Feng Yu Hsiang, Liu Hsiang and possibly others to maintain an attitude of support.

3. Sent to the Department, Peiping and Canton.

Atcheson

93. Not printed.