893.00/10–346: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 4—4:10 p.m.]
1580. Following is text of Generalissimo’s reply dated October 2 addressed to General Marshall to Chou En-lai’s letter52 contained in Embassy’s 1572, October 2, 11 a.m.53
[Here follows text of portion of reply dated October 2, printed on page 270.]
Coincidentally with release of above letter Minister of Information54 made following statement to press:
“The Government has already expressed its approval of the convocation of the Committee of Five to discuss the reorganization of the State Council of the National Government, and, recently has been preparing to convene the Committee of Three to consider effective measures for cessation of hostilities. Contrary to its expectation, the Chinese Communists issued yesterday a statement ignoring the aforementioned two committees, and asserting unilaterally and arbitrarily that, unless fighting is stopped immediately, they will not enter into negotiations on any other subject.
It has been the consistent policy of the Government to seek fair settlement of problems through consultative channels and by political means. Should the Chinese Communist Party refuse negotiations and undermine the two committees which are scheduled to convene soon, it must assume full responsibility for any possible consequences arising therefrom.
Twice this year, in January and June, respectively unconditional truce was declared but, on account of the lack of any positive and effective safeguard, hostilities flared up as frequently as they ceased. This has caused the country increasingly heavy losses and the people inconceivable suffering.
In the past, despite the cease fire orders and the program for army reorganization and integration of the Communist troops into the national army, the Chinese Communist exploited the truce periods purely to their benefit. Where they were in numerically superior strength they attacked and occupied cities without the slightest regard. [Page 280] Where they were weak they took the occasion to prepare for fresh attacks on the national troops. Now the Communists on the one hand issue a general mobilization order and on the other raise the slogan of cease fire, offering no positive guarantee. The Government, impelled by its responsibility for preserving peace and order and safeguarding the life and property of the people cannot permit prolongation of the ordeal of the people attendant upon the civil strife. It must seek settlement of the pressing political and military issues and provide effective safeguards to ensure a durable peace.”