Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Memorandum by Mr. James R. Shepley for General Marshall
[Washington,] December 30, 1945.
General Marshall: The following is a suggested outline for compromise of different proposals as we have discussed it.
The three major government points in their proposal of 31 October68 on which they say they stand are:
- 1.
- Cease fire.
- 2.
- Communists withdraw 10 kilometers from the railroad and railway police be established to guard the lines.
- 3.
- A government offer to consult the Communists on movements of troops into North China except along the Peiping–Mukden railroad.
The three principal Communist points presented this week are:
- 1.
- Cease fire (in which is implicit the ceasing of all troop movements throughout China, excluding Manchuria).
- 2.
- Negotiations between the Communists and the government on all detailed arrangements under the truce.
- 3.
- Creation of a commission to move to the areas of conflict to investigate the situation.
The proposal as we have discussed it would be:
- 1.
- Cease fire.
- 2.
- All sides get off the railroads for 10 kilometers in North China.
- 3.
- Creation of a committee of one government representative, one Communist representative and Mr. Robertson to proceed immediately to North China to establish railway police and make recommendations to the Generalissimo on the reception of Japanese surrenders, some by the Communists, some by the Nationalists and the movement of troops incidental thereto. The understanding being that the Generalissimo would accept the recommendations of this committee.
Shepley