893.00/10–2446
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 24—12:25 a.m.]
1720. Minister of Information press conference October 23 made following statement:
“President Chiang issued his eight point statement on October 16 in a spirit of frank amity and moderation. But the next day Yenan broadcast a violently vituperative reply so lacking in the minimum considerations of courtesy and decency, that the Government would have been justified in breaking off negotiations. But on hearing that the delegates in Shanghai had decided to come to Nanking, the Government ignored it. Then on October 20 and 22, the Communist spokesman issued successively aggressive statements which did not fail to have adverse effects on the negotiations.
Yesterday the independents and other party leaders, at a tea party, expressed the wish that the Government leave these statements unanswered. The Government, to show how highly it values this suggestion, will refrain today from discussing the issues of the present time.
I can, however, emphasize one point: the eight point statement of President Chiang, apart from new concessions, did not contain any new request. It is sincere expression of the Government’s intention and it is the only way to realization of the cessation of hostilities.”