Nanking Embassy Files, Lot F–73

The Chinese Ministry of Information to the American Embassy

Important Points of the Conversation Between President Chiang Kai-shek and Mr. Mao Tse-tung on Sept. 2

What the President told Mr. Mao is as follows:

1.
In regard to the question of military forces: Last year in their conversations with Mr. Lin Tsu-han held at Sian, General Chang [Page 456] Chih-chung and Dr. Wang Shih-chieh,16 as Government representatives, agreed that the Communist forces should be reorganized into from 8 to 10 divisions. Later at a meeting of the People’s Political Council, out of a desire to effect a settlement in a most generous and sincere manner, I announced that I was ready to reorganize the Communist forces into from 10 to 12 divisions. Now that the war is over, the situation is different from what it was last year, and there should be a general reduction of all military forces throughout the country. But the promise that I gave still remains good. It must be understood, however, that twelve divisions is the maximum number that the Central Government can possibly give consent to.
2.
As to the places where the Communist forces are to be stationed after the reorganization: The Communist Party may submit proposals and decisions will be taken after discussion.
3.
In regard to the question of “liberated areas”: What the Communist Party has proposed in regard to the recognition of the so-called “Liberated Areas” is, as a matter of fact, impossible to carry out. We must seek to solve this question in the most sincere and candid spirit. Only if the Communists will faithfully fulfill their pledge pertaining to the unity of military command and political authority, not only may the Communist magistrates of various districts remain in their posts after an examination of their administrative records by the Central Government, but other members of the Communist Party will certainly also be invited, on the basis of their ability and merit, to participate in provincial governments or even to become governors.
4.
In regard to political questions: Now that the war is over, it is contemplated that the Supreme National Defence Council will be reorganized into a Political Council whose members shall be elected by all political parties and sections, so that they will all have a share in the government. As to the personnel of the Central Government, inasmuch as the People’s Congress is about to be convoked, it is not deemed necessary to reorganize the government before the meeting of the People’s Congress. At the time when the new government is formed after the convocation of the People’s Congress, all parties and all sections as well as those who have no party affiliations will of course be able to participate in the formation of the new government. But if the Communist Party desires to participate in the government right now, that is, before the convocation of the People’s Congress, the Central Government is prepared to give this matter due consideration.
5.
In regard to the question of the People’s Congress: In reply to an inquiry made by Mr. Mao, the President told him that elections [Page 457] which were held should be considered valid. But if the Communist Party desires an increase in the number of delegates, some reasonable increase may be made in addition to those already elected.

  1. Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs since July 30.