893.00/11–2745: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Robertson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:20 p.m.]
2047. In series of telegrams dated November 24 and 25, one of which not yet arrived, Ward reports in substance as follows: (Embassy’s 2009, Nov. 17 to Dept repeated Moscow).
On Nov. 19 at close of Muslim religious holidays normal [formal?] negotiations were reopened between Central Govt group headed by General Chang Chih-chung and Ining delegates. Discussions were held on basis of 11–point document brought back by delegates from Ining and 12–point Central Govt assurances handed rebel delegates before their last return to Ining.
(Here series broken by missing telegram which will be reported later when received.62)
[Page 1023]Ward states that rebels seek to limit Chinese participation in local [Provincial] Govt to their numerical proportion to rest of population and to constitute Provincial Govt on basis of elected Provincial Assembly, while Chinese seek in effect to maintain control of all offices higher than district magistrates. Ward states that tenacity with which Chinese seem to be insisting on a Chungking appointed Chinese chairman has cast some doubt locally on sincerity of continued assertions that all provinces will elect their own chairmen under new constitution (sent to Dept, repeated to Moscow). Ward reports that the ultimate concession which the Generalissimo is willing to permit is stated to be the election of district magistrates and inclusion among appointed heads of provincial bureaus of 6 or 7 (out of 12 or 13) “local people” who would either be Chinese or natives acceptable to local Kuomintang. As they cannot assume responsibility for acceptance of such a settlement, delegates will have to return again to Ining, leaving probably Nov. 26 and returning probably within a week or 10 days.
Ward reported Nov. 20 that he had just been reliably informed that maximum Chinese offer was to appoint 15 active members to a 25–man Provincial Committee on which all bureau chiefs would serve as members; from these 15 members, Chinese would appoint heads of Bureaus of Education, Reconstruction and Public Health; District Magistrates would be highest elective offices. Ward says that Chinese sources inform him that Soviet Consul General has worked earnestly for a settlement and is urging rebels to accept above terms.