893.00/15372½: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 12—9:52 a.m.]
837. Government spokesman at press conference May 10 informed foreign correspondents of discussions at Sian between Lin Pai-hsu, chairman Yenan Border Government, and Wang Shih-chieh and Gen. Chang Chih-chung for solution outstanding questions between “Government and Communist Party through political methods” (Embassy’s 802, May 8, 8 a.m.40). Foregoing reported in Central News Agency English service but not in vernacular press.
[Page 420]Hsieh Pao-chao (Director Legislative Yuan Research Bureau and considered Sun Fo man) will head group to make trip to Communist areas. Before he consented to go, Hsieh reliably said to have received assurances he would not be held responsible for any reports or developments connected with trip. Group is to include representatives all local Chinese newspapers (at request Information Ministry), Central News Agency, Information Ministry and few foreign correspondents (including American Catholic father and Tass representative) as well as personnel described in Embassy’s 592, April 4, 3 p.m. Repeated postponement of trip has resulted in reduced number foreign correspondents here who now feel it worth-while to spend several months to [on?] story of this kind. Hsieh informed correspondents in confidence after press conference they would leave May 16.
Press despatches on trip will be censored at Chungking and correspondents are requesting:
- (a)
- immediate check on material deleted by censors;
- (b)
- permission to report any statements made by Communist leaders;
- (c)
- permission to report on political, economic and military matters when sources attributed to Communists; and
- (d)
- permission to report on all military matters not connected with current operations.
According to reliable source, Generalissimo will receive correspondents prior to their departure at which time he will communicate to them prepared message along lines as follows: China is still suffering politically, economically and socially from centuries of despotic rule; Kuomintang program interrupted by Sino-Jap hostilities but still headed toward goal of democracy; all military forces in China loyal to and unified by Central Government except Communist army; and policy of solving Communist problem by political means will be followed.
- Not printed.↩