893.00/1–1747: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 17—11 p.m.]
99. Summary remarks by Information Minister Peng Hsueh-pei at weekly press conference 16th:
Government is going to resume negotiations with Chinese Communists. Chang Chih-chung, governor of Sinkiang Province and former member of Committee of Three, has been picked to visit Yenan to present proposals for resumption of peace talks. Communists have not yet reacted to our suggestions, but Government is determined to resume negotiations. Ambassador Stuart will inform Communist Headquarters in Nanking of selection of Chang Chih-chung.
Government has some ideas regarding peace negotiations, but it deems it not advisable to disclose details of its proposals now for fear of deterrent effect that might have on progress of negotiations. Premature publicity also might limit latitude of discussions and arouse harmful open argument. All political parties will be welcomed to take part. Some representatives of minority parties already returning to Nanking because of developments.