893.00/12–1246: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 11—11:55 a.m.]
2089. At weekly memorial service address on December 9, Generalissimo reaffirmed Government’s intention to work for a political [Page 618] settlement rather than settle Nationalist–Communist issues on battlefield. He is reported to have added that General Chou En Lai’s two conditions—dissolution of the National Assembly and restoration of troop positions as of January 13—for the reopening of negotiations were unacceptable. He also added, “The Government has not yet closed the door to peace. It is the unchanged policy of the Government to settle internal disputes by political means.” He said Government was waiting for Communist Party to give indication of their intention to take part in peace negotiations and in negotiations for reorganization of Government. Also reported as saying that Communist telegram to General Marshall “did not answer General Marshall’s telegram”. The Communist Party said Generalissimo made two demands. He pointed out that the National Assembly had been convened for more than 3 weeks and seats were still being reserved for the Chinese Communist Party.