893.00/2–1449: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 14—9:29 p. m.]
527. Departure for Peiping morning 13th of three-man Shanghai Peace Delegation reported local press 14th as follows:
Headed by W. W. Yen, mission composed Chang Shih-chao, jurist and one time Premier defunct Peking government, and Kiang Yung, jurist and former Minister Justice defunct Peking government. Accompanying delegation were: Shao Li-tze, former Ambassador Moscow who is acting in private capacity and not as member Nationalist official Peace Delegation, Dr. Kung An-ching, Yen’s secretary-general mission, Huang Chi-han and Liu Chung-hua, “unofficial” representatives Li Tsung-jen, both of whom have recently returned from Peiping.
Huang and Liu will liaison between mission and Communists. Yen accompanied by physician and Shao by two secretaries, Chang Fenghui of Fuhtan University and Chin Shan. Latter will act behalf local shipping interests on question reopening shipping with north. Kiang Yung stated he would approach Communists on behalf post administration urging early resumption mail service between Communist and Nationalist areas. Chang Shih-chao again emphasized mission not empowered negotiation peace but would exchange views on conditions for holding talks. Press hinted at blueprint government peace formula in possession Kung An-ching.
Mission to call on Mayor Yen Chien-ying and possibly General Lin Piao and Tientsin-Peiping garrison commander Nieh Jung-chen. Chou En-lai40 again mentioned in press as possibly willing confer with delegates at Shihchia-chuang.
Sent Nanking 367, repeated Department 527; Peiping 39; via pouch to Canton.
- Member of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.↩