Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Colonel George V. Underwood to General Marshall 91
1918. I have just talked with Doctor Stuart upon his return from a 9 p.m. conference with the Generalissimo. He stated that the Generalissimo appeared calm, very much at ease and most genial. The Generalissimo was sincerely pleased with your appointment as Secretary of State. Like Doctor Soong, he regarded your appointment as of definite advantage to China. In keeping with 1915, Doctor Stuart found occasion to briefly explain events leading up to your appointment without specifically indicating prior knowledge on your part. Doctor Stuart said that the Generalissimo understood the situation fully and was not disturbed that he had not received advance notice of your appointment. In short, Doctor Stuart felt that none of the recent events have detracted in the least from the Generalissimo’s high regard and affection for you.
The Generalissimo referred to his previous discussions with you concerning the establishment and supervision of Military and Civilian Advisory Groups to China. The Generalissimo specifically requested Doctor Stuart to ask you if you would see that a suitable individual was furnished to China to supervise and coordinate these two groups now that you are no longer available. Doctor Stuart agreed to relay the question to you. He will not communicate separately with you. This radio represents his action in the matter.
The Generalissimo asked Doctor Stuart if the time was propitious for sending a peace delegation to Yenan and, if so, what procedure should be followed. He stated that the Minister of Information was issuing an official Government statement tonight that would be carried [Page 694] in tomorrow morning’s (10 January) newspapers. The statement will say that now that the constitution has been adopted and plans developed for the reorganization of the Government, the National Government would be greatly pleased if the Communist Party could find it possible to participate in the reorganized Government along with the minority parties. Doctor Stuart asked if there was anything in the statement that could be considered provocative or irritating by the Communists. The Generalissimo replied negatively. The Generalissimo asked if Doctor Stuart could still be used as a medium for communicating with the Communists. Without replying directly, Doctor Stuart stated that tomorrow, 10 January, he was to see Mister Wang Ping-nan at the latter’s request. The Generalissimo then asked Doctor Stuart if in the discussion with Mister Wang Ping-nan he would make reference to the Government’s published statement by way of seeking Communist reaction to same. Doctor Stuart agreed to do this. Doctor Stuart does not expect a definite answer from Mr. Wang Ping-nan tomorrow, nor does he in the long run expect the Communists to accept the Government’s invitation for participation in the Government. He anticipates an evasive reply to the Government proposal.
I recognize that your new horizons are global and your problems manifold. However, I have reported at some length for I feel that you have a deep interest in the effect of a new Government proposal for participation by the Communists because of its bearing on future China policy and disposition of Executive Headquarters and the Marines.
- Forwarded by General Marshall in Hawaii to Colonel Carter, the Office of Far Eastern Affairs, Department of State, on January 12.↩