Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
General Chou En-lai to General Marshall and Dr. Stuart
Dear General Marshall and Ambassador Stuart: Thank you for your letter dated 26 September, 1946.
The deterioration and seriousness of the present situation is apparent both to you and to all. I am not unwilling to return to Nanking for a discussion of the ways and means to stop the civil war. The government not only gives no signs for the cessation of hostilities but further is increasing its efforts by many folds in the active offensive upon Kalgan, Harbin, Antung, North Kiangsu, and other areas. A further adventure for viegotiation will be nothing helpful to the real peace but a smokescreen for a free hand to make a full scale civil war on part of the government and for the deception of the people. This is why I would rather wait here in Shanghai for the convocation of the Committee of Three.
Your good friendship as expressed in your letter to urge me to return to Nanking is appreciated. However, inasmuch as the actual situation is still unknown, I am requesting Mr. Tung Pi-wu to approach you first on behalf of our side.
Should the government give factual evidence in reply to the demand for cease-fire and prove itself to have sincerity, I shall have no reason not to return to Nanking for a talk.
Sincerely yours,