Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Mr. Walter S. Robertson to General Marshall
4119. In early conversations after first announcement of 15-day truce agreement General Yeh appeared confused as to its applicability terms and official status (refer 40532). In response to direct question on Saturday3 as to whether or not instructions had been issued by the Communists to all of their military commanders in North Central China as well as Manchuria to stop all troop movements and conflict during 15-day truce period, he replied “yes”. When asked to reconcile such orders with General Chen Yi’s coordinated attacks beginning on June 7 he stated that General Chen Yi (1) was retaliating for previous Nationalist attacks, (2) wanted to disband puppet troops, and (3) wished to protect the harvest in his area from raids by puppet troops.
We are checking with American members of all teams in effort to determine what orders were issued to commanders of both sides. Their replies will be summarized for your information.