Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Minutes of Meeting Between Dr. Stuart and General Marshall at No. 5 Ning Hai Road, Nanking, November 4, 1946, 4 p.m.
| Also present: | Colonel Caughey |
Doctor Stuart opened the meeting by handing General Marshall a letter to him from Doctor Soong43 which requested an increase in the $30,000,000 cotton loan to China. General Marshall stated that he did not think the United States would be amenable to such a loan at this time, but that he would like to have Mister Adler’s44 comment before further consideration.
Dr. Stuart reported that Mr. Wang Ping-nan wanted to confer with him this evening. Mr. Wang had already sent to Dr. Stuart two messages, the gist of which indicated that Mr. Wang wanted from Dr. Stuart his frank advice as to what to do with reference to the current negotiations. Specifically, Mr. Wang wanted to know what the United States’ reaction would be to convening of the National Assembly without Communist participation. Dr. Stuart continued by stating that he thought the Generalissimo would suspend the date of the convening of the National Assembly if the Communists indicated definite intention of coming into that Assembly. Further than this, Dr. Stuart was of the opinion that the Generalissimo would issue a cease fire order if the minor parties (excluding the Communists) would indicate their intention of joining the National Assembly.
[Page 469]General Marshall stated that the major issue at this time appeared to be the Communist desire for reorganization of the Executive Yuan, and that if this problem could be resolved, most of the outstanding political questions could be easily handled. General Marshall referred to Dr. Carsun Chang’s comments with respect to the reorganization of the Executive Yuan and indicated that Dr. Chang had stated three things must be done in connection with its reorganization. The first of these was the establishment of a uniform civil service system for all ministries; second, that a budget control system be established to which the various ministries must adhere; and third, that a uniform policy with reference to ministry operations be established.
General Marshall then told Doctor Stuart that he had discussed at length with Doctor Chang the possible reorganization of the Executive Yuan. Doctor Chang stated that the Communists had hoped that General Chou might be appointed Deputy Minister of the Executive Yuan. General Marshall stated that while this appeared a very responsible post, he thought that a more effective post for General Chou might be that of Minister of Communications. He stressed that in this position of great responsibility, General Chou could not afford to fail without dragging down the entire Communist Party at the same time.
Doctor Stuart said that the Generalissimo said he would not reorganize the Executive Yuan until after the National Assembly meets. Doctor Stuart also said that after signing the commercial treaty45 this afternoon, Doctor T. V. Soong had taken him aside and said that as far as he was concerned, no Communist should be included in the Executive Yuan reorganization at this time; possibly after the Government had been reorganized, Communists could be taken into that Yuan gradually and in accordance with popular elections. Doctor Stuart remarked regarding the possible reactions to Chou’s appointment that it was a common practice in China for an entire group to resign under circumstances of displeasure or disapproval. General Marshall then stated that if this was a probable reaction it would be unwise to suggest that Chou En-lai be made Minister of Communications.
Doctor Stuart concluded the meeting by stating that General C. P. Lee appears to be quoting both General Marshall and himself that they are advocating the establishment of an Advisory Committee with General Lee as chairman to take over from General Marshall and Doctor Stuart in the current negotiations.