Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
General Marshall to the Acting Secretary of State 36
1032. Dear Acheson: No negotiations yesterday, Monday. Generalissimo probably discussing with his people basis for his meeting with Chou En Lai at 10 this morning. Whether or not suggestion that a small high level group meet immediately to attempt a political solution to problem of local government I have not yet been informed. Local public opinion among inner Kuomintang bureaucracy is that [Page 1278] Generalissimo’s press release of Sunday was merely a sop to me and for purpose of placing Government in better position public and probably preliminary to launching a military campaign.
I am so closely engaged and so close to the trees that I may lack perspective. Therefore I would appreciate your and Vincent’s37 frank and quite informal reactions to present developments and the imperative issues that might soon and suddenly arise.