711.93/7–1446: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 15—6:51 a.m.]
1139. Reports of increasing hostilities and more decisive attacks on United States were featured in Yenan English language broadcast week ending July 12. Particular attention paid to hostilities in Hunan–Hupeh pocket and allegations that fighting was started by Kuomintang forces determined on extermination of Communists. There were references to some fighting in Shantung and south of Tientsin.
One broadcast published full 4,000 word text of Communist Party Central Executive Committee manifesto on July 7, anniversary of Marco Polo bridge incident. Gist of manifesto that war was fought for independence, peace, and democracy, but this war not yet won since American reactionaries are trying to take place of Japan and make China American colony. Manifesto also states only public opinion forced Govt to convene PCC (People’s Consultative Council) whose agreement Kuomintang Fascists now busily engaged in sabotaging in order to maintain their rule of violence. This can only be possible with aid of American reactionaries. Later item commenting on Minister [of] Information’s reply to Communist manifesto stated it is open confession of Gmo’s (Generalissimo) determination to continue hostilities and ignore popular will. Another item cited points from Chou En-lai’s press conference following truce termination in which he stated that despite assurances from Gmo, truce [Page 1357] was never extended, that hostilities are being renewed, and that despite fact most concessions during negotiations made by Communists, Kuomintang still shies away from any agreement. Solution to impasse is to be found in convening PCC to reach political understanding without which any military agreement is meaningless.
Excerpts from Yenan Emancipation Daily editorial charged conversations have been a failure so far due solely to inordinate Kuomintang demands, acceptances of which would lead to extermination of democratic forces in China. Another broadcast charged that even during current political conversations US continues to supply arms to Koumintang forces.
Another broadcast quoted from article by Chen Lo-ta,20 labeling Gmo as Chinese dictator and charging that although no one knows contents of secret agreement with US everyone does know that Gmo has paid price of selling out Chinese national rights to American imperialists thereby allowing them to rule China to an extent unprecedented in history.
One report listed accomplishments of Tsitsihar Provincial Government in economic affairs and in protecting rights of Mongol minorities. Also alleged 60,000 refugees have fled from Suiyuan to liberated areas to escape Kuomintang political and economic oppression.
Yenan Chinese number code broadcast during same period contained much of above material. Bulk of broadcasts consisted of miscellaneous domestic news together with large volume of foreign news, most of it with Moscow Tass dateline. Foreign reporting in general followed Moscow line. Most prominent foreign article was strong attack on French for persecution of Annamites and their obvious intent to restore colonial rule over people who are struggling for independence.
Sent Dept. 1139, July 14, 11 a.m., Dept. repeat Moscow.
- Apparently Chen Ta (T. T. Chen), university professor and writer on labor problems.↩