Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

893.00/2–349: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, February 3, 1949.
[Received February 2—10:25 p. m.]

359. Following news appears Shanghai press 2nd on Li Tsung-jen’s unofficial peace delegation local nonpartisan leaders appointed 31st (ReContel to Nanking 259, February 1, to Department 340).

Chang Shih-chao⁶ on 1st denied reports circulating city that mission of delegation will be seek separate peace for Shanghai which he described as premature in view absence immediate military threat. Chang stated delegation would visit Peiping shortly under instructions “to observe conditions, talk with officials there and report to President,” and that it was not empowered to make decisions or to act in capacity similar to official peace delegations.

Secret meeting of delegates presided over by W. W. Yen⁷ leads press to speculate whether all delegates agreeable accept mission.

Sent Nanking 272; repeated to Department 359.

Cabot

6. Member of the National Policy Advisory Committee.
7. Chinese Premier at Peking in 1920’s.