893.00/12–2945: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Robertson) to the Secretary of State
Chungking, December 29,
1945—11 a.m.
[Received January 5, 1946—2:39 p.m.]
[Received January 5, 1946—2:39 p.m.]
2242. Reliable American correspondents inform us as follows regarding Communist truce proposal:
- 1.
- Communists submitted formal written proposal to Govt Dec. 27 for truce including cease fire order, nationwide freezing troops in present positions and naming impartial committee to proceed to scenes of fighting for investigation. Communists refused to disclose to correspondents actual text of proposal. (Emb 2200, Dec. 21 to Dept, repeated Moscow.)
- 2.
- Information Minister K. C. Wu informed correspondents Dec. 28 proposals would be discussed by representatives two sides today, Govt to be represented by Chang Chun, Wang Shih-chieh and Shao Li-tze and Communists by Chou En-lai, Yeh Chien-ying and Wang Jo-fei. Discussions today also to decide date of opening of PCC meeting. (Sent Dept, repeated Moscow.) Wu said Communist truce proposal actually reply to Govt proposal Oct. 3142 which envisaged Communist withdrawal to points 10 miles from railway lines, Govt policing of such lines with police force but not troops and no movement Central Govt troops without prior “consultation” with Communists. Wu said Communist proposal arose from defeats they recently suffered at Paotou, Kueisui and Tatung and in Shantung and Hupeh.
Robertson