893.00/3–1845: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:20 p.m.]
456. Following is summary of memorandum of March 11 on present Communist attitude toward Chungking prepared by Second Secretary Service now at Yenan:
Communists have greatly strengthened their attitude and their self-confidence is even more marked. Move to compromise with Kmt not entirely closed. Communists, however, no longer consider Generalissimo necessary head of state. Communists have declined participation in “War Cabinet” (Embassy’s 180, February 7, 8 a.m.) which is considered without authority and therefore a dead issue. Consideration of “Political Advisory Committee” seen halted by uncompromising attitude of Generalissimo revealed in his speech of March 1 (Embassy’s 354, March 3, 10 a.m.). Any political solution [Page 290] based on action taken by Kmt Congress and National Congress composed by 90 percent Kmt members selected before outbreak of hostilities would not be recognized.
Communists demand ⅓ representation at San Francisco and another ⅓ for other non-Kuomintang members. If Communist representation is refused they will proceed with establishment of “Federal Council of Democratic Liberated Areas”. Communist Party Congress to consider this matter is to be called for end of March.
Communist expansion fully admitted and justified on grounds of assistance to war effort and necessity of protection against Kuomintang plans to liquidate them both militarily and politically. An additional reason not voiced by Communists would be anticipated Japanese pressure in North China with view to establishment of cordon sanitaire between China and Manchuria.
Present tendency is not toward unity but away from unity. Conflicts with Kmt are widespread and open civil war is anticipated.