Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Memorandum of Conversation Between Ambassador Stuart and Mr. Wang Ping-nan81
Dr. Stuart telephoned at 5:15 to report that Wang Ping-nan had just left and taken with him the government’s proposal. Wang arrived at 4:30.
Wang does not like procedure no. 4 but Dr. Stuart told him that could be discussed at the three-man committee meeting.
Wang also wanted the government to make a graceful generous gesture and give back Kalgan since the Government had now proved it could take it. Dr. Stuart told him that the Generalissimo wouldn’t consider that now but that he felt sure Kalgan wouldn’t be permitted to stand in the way of final settlement by either side, and that a friendly solution could be found.
Dr. Stuart said one thing was clear in his mind and that was the friendly feeling Wang has for General Marshall. Wang asked if Marshall was planning to leave and Dr. Stuart said Wang’s face lighted up when he replied that General Marshall would stay as long as he felt he could help in reaching a settlement.
Dr. Stuart said he urged Wang to keep the matter open and not make a final break.
After presenting the government proposal to Wang, Wang read it then asked for the Ambassador’s advice. Dr. Stuart said he made the strongest possible statement at great length and with as much feeling as possible. Dr. Stuart said he pointed out the issues at stake; the fact that America was not aiding the Nationalists; that America wanted a strong united, democratic peaceful China; that we had no regard to the party in power but wanted a strong opposition party to make the government democratic and help combat the graft, corruption and inefficiency.
Wang promised to report the conversation and the proposal to Chou En-lai as soon as possible.
- Prepared for General Marshall by his office staff.↩