893.00/2–2447: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 24—7:15 a.m.]
363. Associated Press Peiping February 21 dispatch reports that General Yeh Chien-ying, Communist Commissioner at Executive Headquarters, on his departure from Peiping stated:
“I sincerely believe that the efforts of General Marshall and America during the past year in helping China to win the peace have not been in vain. Peace will prevail. It is only a matter of time. Long live Chinese-American cooperation.”
Press dispatch Nanking February 21 reports Communist Nanking spokesman, Wang Ping-nan, as stating that Government is using “all conceivable means” to force Communist liaison offices in Nanking, [Page 43] Shanghai and Chungking to close down but that they would remain open unless they receive formal notification. Wang added:
“If President Chiang Kai-shek resorts to underhand methods—detention or arrest—he will have to bear the responsibility. The use of secret intrigue and the arrest of Communist officials are being taken into consideration should these methods not succeed and that proves clearly that the Kuomintang has decided to close the door to further negotiations.”