893.00/2–149: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 3—4:33 a. m.]
287. Following is report of conversation in Peiping between C. C. Huang, representative of Li Tsung-jen, and Yeh Chien-ying, member of CCP Central Committee and mayor-designate of Peiping:
- 1.
- CP is ready to consider liaison with whom it will deal in peace negotiations.
- 2.
- CP wants real and permanent peace. It is essential therefore to liquidate present feudal sticklers of oligarchy. By this is meant “four [Page 99] families”. It has been suspicious that Generalissimo and Li have been playing double game but Huang’s explanation helped to clear this up.
- 3.
- CP is anxious to establish radio communication between Nanking and Peiping.
CP is favorably disposed to Kwangsi leaders because of their previous record in improvement of people’s welfare in their home province, in contrast, for instance, with more bureaucratic Chekiang group.
Yeh inquired whether US was backing Li and if so for what reason and whether another world war was imminent et cetera. Huang, who had studied in US and was there last year on special mission, described in some detail American desire for peace and unity in China as exemplified in Marshall Mission, failure of which was not its fault but due mainly to obduracy of Generalissimo.
Yeh concluded interview by giving assurance that he was speaking for Lin Piao and Nieh Jung-chen90 as well as himself and that it would all be reported to the Central Committee of CCP.
Sent Department, pouched Shanghai.
- Chinese Communist military commanders.↩