893.00/3–149: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State

495. Vernacular press reports return to Nanking February 27 of Shanghai peace mission and carries following written statement released by mission:

“We have paid 2-week visit to Peiping in private capacity. During visit we talked with Communist leaders Yeh Chien-ying, Lin Piao, Nieh Jung-chen, Tung Pi-wu, Lo Jung-yuan and Po I-po, both individually and together. We were also invited to Shihchiachuang and there exchanged great variety of views on peace negotiations with Communist Chairman Mao Tze-tung and General Chou En-lai. We ended trip and returned south with conviction that although numerous difficulties still exist there is great hope for peace, and we shall return to Shanghai after reporting to Acting President Li Tsung-jen. While in Peiping and Shihchiachuang, we reached agreement in principle with Communist leaders in regard to opening of transportation and postal service between north and south. We expressed our thanks to Communist leaders for their hospitality toward us while [we] were in the two cities.”

Statement signed by W. W. Yen, Kiang Yung, Chang Shih-chao, Shao Li-tzu.

Sent Department, repeated AmEmb Canton 122.

Stuart