893.00/11–546: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 5—6:30 a.m.]
1814. Chinese press reported interview given by Dr. Sun on November first to Agence France Presse in which he is reported to have stated that third parties had decided to abandon their roles as intermediaries in the present political struggle because of rejection by Communists of their proposals—“the Communists’ rejection clearly proves that they are not ready to put an end to the hostilities …47 [Page 472] it is very difficult to find a solution. Perhaps we will succeed if the situation changes but so far we have been unsuccessful”. Dr. Sun stated that rejection of the proposals was based principally on disagreement over military situation in Manchuria and the Government proposal that they occupy all important towns along Tsitsihar, Kiamutze and Peihan railways. Dr. Sun added that Government had not had time to approve or reject three party proposals since they were withdrawn 2 hours after submission.
“Third parties gave us no reason for this action other than to clear up certain details. At the same time they declared that they had not submitted the text to the Communists. It was only the day before yesterday that we learned that we had been deceived. We can now see clearly that their decision was motivated by the immediate rejection of their proposals by the Communists, but it is difficult to find a basis for direct negotiation as the Government insists on the acknowledgment of their eight points while the Communists are equally adamant on their rejection.
“Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek’s eight points really constituted concession to the Communists. We are inclined to think that the question of division of seats in the State Council is settled. Third parties gave us to understand that the opposition would not insist on more than 14 seats. Generalissimo Chiang earnestly desires the Communists to submit their lists of delegates to the National Assembly, and he is only waiting for the word to be given by them to order an immediate cease fire.
“Other points to be settled are merely questions of procedure, namely the reconvening of the Committee of Three and of the Sub-Committee of Five to solve the problems coming within their competence.
“The only important point of friction is the question of the National Assembly.”
- Omission indicated in the original telegram.↩