Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Far East, China, Volume VII

Nanking Embassy Files, Lot F–73

The Chinese Minister of Information (Wu) to the American Minister Counselor in China (Robertson)²⁴

undated

President Chiang Kai-shek of the National Government invited Mr. Mao Tse-tung, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, to come and discuss important questions of state. Mr. Mao came to Chungking on August 28 and had several discussions with President Chiang. At the same time both sides appointed certain representatives for the purpose: The Government was represented by Dr. Wang Shih-chieh, General Chang Chun, General Chang Chi-chung, and Mr. Shao Li-tze, while the Chinese Communists were represented by Mr. Chou En-lai and Mr. Wang Jo-fei. These gentlemen held a series of discussions in a friendly and harmonious atmosphere, and have arrived at the following unanimous results:

(1) With reference to the fundamental policy of peaceful reconduction, it is unanimously agreed that with the victorious conclusion of the war against Japan and with the commencement of a new stage in the work of peaceful reconstruction in the very near future both sides must work in common and, on the basis of peace, democracy, harmony, and unity and under the leadership of President Chiang, practise long-term cooperation, forever banish internal strife, build up an independent, free, and prosperous new China, and faithfully carry out the San Min Chu I. Both sides also agree that the democratization of politics, the nationalization of the army, and the equality and legalization of political parties are indispensable paths leading to peaceful national reconstruction.

(2) With reference to political questions, it is unanimously agreed that the period of tutelage must be brought to an early end and the period of constitutionalism be ushered in. It is also agreed that necessary steps be taken by the National Government to convene a Political Conference composed of representatives of all political parties as well as those with no party affiliations, in order to discuss questions of national import, to consider plans for peaceful national reconstruction and the problem of convoking the National Assembly. Furthermore, the Government should guarantee that the people can enjoy all the freedoms which peoples in all democratic countries usually enjoy in times of peace, namely, those of the person, belief, speech, the press, assembly, and association. Political authority must be unified, but under the assumption of national unity some adaptability to local needs may be permitted. As regards administrative officials in the different localities, the Government will be guided by considerations of merit, give them their due, and practise no discrimination on grounds of party affiliation.

(3) With reference to military questions, it is unanimously agreed that all troops must belong to the state, that military authority must be unified in the hands of the Central Government, and that all existing troops must be effectively reorganized according to plan. Now that the Kuomintang party headquarters among the troops have been withdrawn, the Chinese Communists should also cause its troops to sever all party connections, so that all troops may become national troops. Pending the realization of this object [objective?], the number of Communist troops and concrete problems in relation thereto will form the subjects of further discussion in order to find a solution for them.

(4) Both sides are confident that the future discussions will continue to be conducted in a friendly and harmonious atmosphere. All concrete practical measures, except those which are to be laid before the forthcoming Political Conference for discussion and decision, will be satisfactorily solved on a basis of mutual confidence and mutual concession.

(5) Both sides wish to express their gratitude to the many friends for their solicitude and advice, especially to General Hurley, the American Ambassador, for his earnest assistance, throughout the course of the discussion.

24. Handed by the Chinese Minister of Information to the Minister Counselor in China on September 23.