Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Notes of Meeting Between General Marshall and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek at Nanking, October 13, 1946, 5 p.m.
| Also present: | General Pee49 |
| Dr. Stuart |
General Pee and Dr. Stuart interpreted.
The Generalissimo inquired if there had been any further proposals by the Communists.
Dr. Stuart replied in the negative and at General Marshall’s suggestion related what he had learned from Mr. Liang that morning.
The Generalissimo discounted the statement that the minority parties had united in stand against a meeting of the National Assembly under present conditions. He thought a different reaction would be apparent in a day or two. He explained that the formal confirmation by the Government of the Assembly meeting was a routine procedure, completely justified, in his opinion. He wished Dr. Stuart and General Marshall to consider the possibility of his making a statement50 as previously suggested by General Marshall on the Generalissimo’s return to Nanking; modified in accordance with recent changes in the situation.
General Marshall said he understood the Generalissimo at their last meeting to suggest such a statement and specifically mentioned General Chou’s51 last memorandum, of October 8th [9th].52 The Generalissimo said he did not want any reference to General Chou’s memorandum. General Marshall replied that it was not a question of reference to the memo, but of a consideration of the statements in the memo. The Generalissimo stated that he was not considering that. General Marshall then asked what change in the situation was to be considered, other than the occupation of Kalgan.
[Page 364]General Marshall continued by stating that the important factor was the immediate cessation of hostilities; that even if the Communists were forced to submit to various agreements by the pressure of armed action, there could be no healthy result in the political negotiations and reorganization of the Government. The bitterness engendered would be too deep and the spirit of revenge and distrust too great.
The Generalissimo said that he could not agree to an unconditional cessation of hostilities without some evidence for the people and the government leaders that there had been advantages gained for the reorganization of the Government. He mentioned the announcement of the Communist delegates to the National Assembly as an example.
General Marshall reminded the Generalissimo that in early July, he (the Generalissimo) had stated that it was necessary first to deal harshly with the Communists and later after 2 or 3 months to take a generous attitude. Certainly now, 3½ months later with the Government in possession of all the important strategical points, was the time for a generous attitude.
The Generalissimo agreed but repeated his previous statement.
General Marshall questioned the Generalissimo regarding the reorganization of the Executive Yuan. The Generalissimo replied that he would make no reference to that in his statement, it must come after the National Assembly.
General Marshall questioned the Generalissimo as to why the Constitutional Draft Committee was not reconvened. While the answer to this indicated willingness to have that Committee get back to work it was not clear as to “why, etc”.
The Generalissimo closed the meeting by saying that he wished to wait a day or two, watch developments and then make his decision.
Note: On October 13 [14?] General Marshall at the Generalissimo’s request (by telephone from General Pee) sent him a redraft of the proposed statement. He had questioned Dr. Stuart that afternoon as to whether such a draft was ready.