893.00/6–2546: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 26—10:17 a.m.]
1132. Approximately 50,000 people from labor unions, women’s organizations, universities, and middle, lower and vocational schools participated in so-called anti-civil war meeting and parade Shanghai June 23. Occasion of meeting was departure for Nanking of anti-civil war delegation led by Ma Shao-lin, scholar and former Vice-Minister Education. Professor Ma accompanied by professors, businessmen, student and labor leaders. Delegation, also Dr. Tao Hsing-chih (educator), addressed crowd at north station. Following meeting paraders marched throughout Shanghai. They carried banners and pasted posters on buildings, including this Consulate. [Page 1193] Slogans emphasized desire to end civil war and achieve democracy and to have United States stop aiding “Chinese reactionaries.” United States urged to remove American troops from China, terminate military lend-lease, and support “democratic forces”. Posters critical of effect of American imports on Chinese industry, opening other ports to foreign shipping, foreign influence (Shanghai serial 1132, repeated Nanking as 632, June 25, 8 p.m.) in customs, handbills stressed friendship with the American people, but condemned American activities which they allege are turned against the democratic forces.
Demonstration was organized by elements associated with Shanghai Federation of People’s Organizations, independent, anti-Kuomintang forces. Parade also contained labor and student elements not affiliated with Federation. Great variety of slogans indicated effort of organizers to attract widespread support for this anti-civil war movement. No special Chinese Communist influence evident in meeting activities or banners, posters, or handbills.