Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Colonel J. Hart Caughey to Lieutenant General Alvan C. Gillem, Jr.
(This is second message.) Return to Yenan caused by two grievances. Lack of agreement and definite action with reference to Canton Communists and 60,000 Communists North of Hankow. Chou was bitter and said his contemporaries blame him for lack of resolution those two points at same time he made concessions to Nationals in North China. While his return to Chungking is not predicated on solution these points, solution would tend to alleviate future trouble. Please impress this on Chang, since it may prove desirable now that teams are on verge of proceeding for committee to delay one day Chungking to resolve.
[Page 597]Re Canton situation—note paragraph in Wedemeyer’s last message requiring certain action on part of Chang Fa-kwei.
Re Hankow situation—There are two recent letters from Kizer41 in our files or Embassy files.
In leaving Chou this afternoon he said he was sure Mao42 would agree with his commitment regarding the 3-paragraph agreement but he would have to check with Mao—plans to leave for Chungking.
I did not bring up the idea of teams going in without instructions but he did and indicated agreement to that idea. However, since Chou’s return Chang [Chungking?] is predicated on Chang’s approval of short agreement I saw no reason to bring up at this time other solutions you and I discussed since if Chang agrees the trick is done and Chou will be back. If he doesn’t we have lost no time and can branch out from there. Please advise me in detail if Chang balks.