893.00/1–1049
Mr. Chou En-lai to the Appointed Ambassador in China (Hurley)
My Dear General Hurley: On Colonel David D. Barrett’s return to Yenan it was learned that you misunderstood the message from Chairman Mao Tse-tung dated December 22 [24], 1944 because of mistakes in paraphrasing. We regret that this has happened. Colonel Barrett was asked to inform you of the details in person so that I will not repeat them here.
In regards to whether or not it is possible for the National Government to accept our proposal of establishing a democratic coalition government in order to carry on negotiations, we are not willing to continue again abstract discussions on this question. Instead, we would rather put forth the opinions mentioned below which we kindly ask you to transfer to the authorities concerned and thus to see whether they are determined to realize democracy and unity. We consider that if the National Government wishes to prove to China and abroad its determination to make a new start together with the people, it should first voluntarily carry out the following:
- 1.
- Release all political prisoners in the country such as Chang Hsueh-liang, Yang Hu-chen, Yeh Ting, Liao Ch’eng-chih and numerous other patriots still in prison.
- 2.
- Withdraw the large Kuomintang forces surrounding the Shensi-Kansu–Ninghsia Border Region and those attacking the New Fourth Army in Central China and the anti-Japanese Column in South China.
- 3.
- Abolish all the repressive regulations restricting freedom of the people.
- 4.
- Stop all special secret service activity.
If these can be truly carried out then beginning signs can be seen of the possibility of abolishing one-party dictatorship and of establishing a democratic coalition government according to the wishes of the people. Since you as personal representative of the President of the United States, have, for the past two months, devoted great efforts to helping the Chinese war of resistance, democracy and unity, we feel sure that you will do your best to see this through.
With my warmest regards and respect to you and to General Wedemeyer and General McClure.
Yours respectfully,