711.93/1–1047: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8 p.m.]
50. Spokesman Communist delegation, Wang Ping-nan, called at Embassy morning January 9 and in course of conversation expressed opinion that in his statement General Marshall had castigated both Communist Party and Kuomintang but with greater emphasis on [Page 696] former. He suggested that there were three possible courses of American action in China at present time: (1) no change in policy; (2) that US would bring pressure to bear on Kmt to bring about some measure Govt reform perhaps including non-Kmt elements and if such developed US would assist Govt even though Communists were unwilling to cooperate therein, and (3) that US would withdraw from China completely. When asked which of three he thought preferable, he said that he favored the third but thought that US would follow some course closer to second.
Wang expressed great interest in appointment of General Marshall as Secretary of State and inquired how appointment would be received in US. It was pointed out to him that appointment had been unanimously approved by Senate without trace of opposition. Wang vouchsafed that appointment would also be welcomed in Soviet Union and in this connection he remarked that within recent months there has been marked improvement in Russo-American relations. He went on to say that General Marshall’s presence at forthcoming Foreign Ministers Conference might bring about another improvement. On whole Wang, who throughout conversation stated he was expressing only his personal views to an officer of the Embassy with whom he has been acquainted for some years, seemed pleased with appointment, emphasizing importance of fact that new Secretary of State had close personal knowledge of China and problems here.
General impression was gathered that Communist delegation here reacted not unfavorably to General Marshall’s statement. Wang expressed gratification on two points brought out therein: (1) that basic PCC agreements had been sabotaged by Kmt and (2) that influence of Kmt military leaders in Govt was deplored.