500.CC/3–2945: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 29—2:20 p.m.]
535. Following is a paraphrase of a portion of a telegram received March 28 from Second Secretary John S. Service now at Yenan, assumably reflecting Communist attitude there:
According to broadcasts from Chungking, Tung Pi-wu is included in delegation appointed by the Chinese Government to attend the San Francisco Conference. The Yenan Communists have been neither notified nor consulted in this connection. As Tung is old, speaks no English and is of secondary rank, he is the least suitable choice for Communist delegate. No action will be taken until receipt of official notification from Central Government.
2. Wang Shih-chieh informs me privately that he thinks it is doubtful that the Communist authorities will permit Tung Pi-wu to accept appointment as one of the Chinese delegates because the Communists have demanded the appointment of three delegates of their own choice (Chou En-lai, Po Ku and Tung Pi-wu). However, there are others who consider that by appointing Tung Pi-wu the Central Government has placed the Communist Party in a position which practically forces them to approve the appointment or risk criticism abroad that they are unwilling to cooperate with the Government in any field. It seems to be quite widely accepted here that Li Huang83 is considering not attending the conference unless the Communists are also represented.
- Leader of the Chinese minority political party, member of the People’s Political Council, and appointed member of the Chinese delegation to the San Francisco Conference.↩