793.94110/477: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell), to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)83
[Received January 1, 1939—7 a.m.]
0031. Mr. Wang Ching Wei, Chairman Central Political Council and Deputy General Executive of Kuomintang, who has long favored early termination of hostilities has, according to a report carried by Domei, the official Japanese news agency, addressed a statement to General Chiang Kai Shek and the supervising committees of the Kuomintang Party urging immediate action to exchange views with the Japanese Government for the restoration of peace. He suggests that the Chinese Government accept latest Japanese proposals as a basis for discussion and that China propose terms, including first a responsible solution of the issue of the four northern provinces; second, anti-Comintern collaboration; third, economic cooperation. He states that China must insist that the Japanese Army withdraw completely from China except that during the period of anti-Comintern collaboration Japanese troops may be stationed in Inner Mongolia. Japanese proposals have already been rejected, according to statements of General Chiang and other Chinese spokesman made public on 27 December, so it is probable that Mr. Wang’s opinions are not shared by other important leaders. This is substantiated by Mr. Wang’s sudden departure from Chungking.
- Copy of telegram transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩