893.00/1–1049: Telegram
Major General Patrick J. Hurley to President Roosevelt 76
On November 10th at Yenan, Mao Tze-tung, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party signed a proposed agreement between the National Government, the Kuomintang of [Page 699] China and the Communist Party of China. The first article of the agreement provides “The Government of China, the Kuomintang of China and the Communist Party of China will work together for the unification of all the military forces in China for the immediate defeat of Japan and the reconstruction of China”. The proposed agreement provides for a Coalition Government, certain military and political reforms and representation in the government by all anti-Japanese political parties. It provides that the government will support the principles of Sun-Yat-Sen for the establishment in China of a government of the people, for the people and by the people and will pursue policies designed to promote progress and democracy. It provides that all anti-Japanese forces will observe and carry out the orders of the Coalition National Government and its United National Military Council and finally “The Coalition National Government of China recognizes the legality of the Kuomintang of China, the Chinese Communist Party and all anti-Japanese parties.” The Communists stated that they would recognize Chiang Kai-shek as President of the Republic and as Generalissimo and would insert a provision to that effect in the proposed agreement if desired.
After I had worked this offer of settlement out with the Communists and upon my return to Chungking I found that the offer was not completely acceptable to the Kuomintang or to the National Government. However, both of these and Chiang Kai-shek have been working for several days on a revision or counter offer. I have agreed with all parties to keep the terms of the proposed agreement secret until they have all agreed or finally disagreed. The situation is difficult. Chiang Kai-shek seems to be of the opinion that the proposed agreement would eventually result in giving the Communists control of the government. I think he is not justified in that opinion. I am talking to him and his advisors almost constantly and I may be able to convince them that a reasonable agreement with the Communists is necessary. Chiang Kai-shek asserts that he desires to unite the military forces of China and give the Communists representation in the government and accomplish certain reforms leading to the establishment of a democratic government. He wishes to do this, however, without seeming to have this action forced upon him by the Communists. I am convinced that Chiang Kai-shek personally is anxious for a settlement with the so-called Communists. The Kuomintang and a majority of Chiang Kai-shek’s national government officials and his personal advisors are opposing it bitterly. I know that it will be apparent to you that nearly all of the basic principles recited in the proposed agreement are ours. I am still seeking a formula that will accomplish unity without giving the appearance of defeat to any of the major factions. That in itself is a major problem. In bringing about the unification [Page 700] of the military forces of China and in view of the seriousness of the military situation I am aware that time is the predominant factor. Notwithstanding this I have endeavored to be patient with all factions but I am constantly pushing for an early agreement.
- Transmitted through military channels as telegram No. CFB26572.↩