893.00/10–2945: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Robertson) to the Secretary of State

1884. Following is Central News release, Chungking, October 27:

“Motivated by an eager desire to bring about an early restoration of railway communications and to stop further obstructions of railway lines, the Govt, in conversations held yesterday with representatives of the Chinese Communists, has agreed that the status quo of the Communist forces in the areas outside of the railway zones will be maintained provided the Communists would leave the railways alone, states Dr. K. C. Wu, Minister of Information, at a press conference here today.

Dr. Wu said that the Govt has also urged the Communist Party to send representatives of the 18th Group Army here to form a military subcommittee, US [as?] laid down in the agreements reached previously, to discuss the reorganization of the 18th Group Army and the areas where it is to be stationed.

Regarding the Political Consultative Council, Dr. Wu said that the Govt in the conversations yesterday stated that it has already consulted other interested quarters and consequently a satisfactory arrangement has been made. Dr. Wu added that the Govt proposed that, since the organization and membership of the Council had been agreed upon, the Council should be convened as scheduled.

Dr. Wu revealed that the Communist representatives, Messrs. Chou En-lai and Wang Jo-pei, have agreed to wire to Yenan for instructions regarding the above matter.

Meanwhile, the Govt–Communist conversations are still progressing in a cordial atmosphere. Continuing, Dr. Wu said that the Govt, in pursuance of its confident policy to achieve peace and unity by peaceful means, is determined to do its utmost to seek a complete, satisfactory solution.

Insofar as the circulation of improper reports, broadcasts and dispatches is concerned, the Govt considers that, inasmuch as they are at variance with facts, there is no necessity for detailed comments, concluded Dr. Wu.”

Robertson