893.00/1–2949: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 30—11:01 a. m.]
270. North Shensi broadcasts January 28 pounded home harder than ever new [now?] customary themes that peace can be negotiated solely on basis of Mao’s eight peace points, punish war criminals, Nationalist peace proposals are “false peace conspiracy of American imperialism and Kmt reactionaries”, etc. Article was signed by Central Committee of CCP and was in form of 41 slogans which, incidentally, follow pattern not only of slogans announced by CCP last May Day but also ape principal Soviet method of selling ideas to public. We would observe that continual emphasis on these themes, culminating in their presentation as slogans, means they are now basic dogmas from which, in Communist eyes, no departure is possible. They are stronger than isolated statements of official spokesmen or even of Mao Tse-tung.
Despite harshness of slogans, we note that they do not: (1) shut out possibility of peace talks, (2) insist on peace talks preceding cease-fire orders, and (3) add to terms or their severity. On other hand, slogans fail to promise favorable treatment to foreigners and small entrepreneurs as other recent statements have done.
Sent Department 270, pouched Shanghai.