893.50/313: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 22—6:50 a.m.]
1240. 1. Chungking correspondent New York Times informs us Chang Tao-fan, Information Minister, asked him call July 17 connection with despatch filed by the correspondent subject Kuomintang-Communist differences reported Embassy 1214, July 17, 6 [3] p.m. During 3½ hours’ conversation, Minister described in detail “history” of Chinese Communist Party; stated Communists had always been guilty of pillaging, murdering Chinese people, rebellion against Government and oppression of people, alleged present Communist activities not different materially from those past. Chang also accused Communists of attacking Central Government troops from rear when latter fighting Japs and of seizing arms and supplies from Central Government troops. In conclusion he asked correspondent withdraw despatch as it likely to create in United States misunderstanding of true situation regarding Kuomintang-Communist differences.
According correspondent, this despatch referred return Chou En-lai to Yenan and possibility settlement differences between the two parties and described viewpoints of the two parties regards issues between them. Despatch subsequently withdrawn by correspondent who now plans rewrite it in hope having it passed by censors.
The correspondent is of opinion as result this conversation with Chang that there is no hope of Kuomintang-Communist settlement and that attempted liquidation of Communists by one means or other inevitable after war.
2. During July 7 press conference Chang Tao-fan informed correspondents that Chou En-lai was returning Yenan order settle differences between two factions within Communist Party which had [Page 291] arisen after dissolution Comintern. Stated one faction Nationalist and favored compromise with Chungking Government while other favored continuation party’s previous policy. Questioned regarding reported Kuomintang-Communist negotiations, Chang denied any negotiation, stating might as well expect Democratic and Republican Parties in United States to enter negotiations.
3. Monitoring reports of Domei Chinese service from Chungking [by] OWI representative contain rather detailed coverage present Kuomintang-Communist relations, full of obvious inaccuracies (such as that Communists have given up their border government at Yenan) and have strong anti-Communist tone.
4. Drumright at Sian offers his opinion telegram of July 16 that doubtful that Chungking policy of blockade will at present change into policy attack Sian [as] press and cultural organizations reported urging since dissolution Comintern, disbandment Chinese Communist Party. Further information expected from Drumright in due course.