893.00/3–749: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 8—1:17 a. m.]
528. Nanking vernacular press March 7 reports Government efforts draft peace formula with several meetings of 10-man committee and formation of following subcommittees:
Military Subcommittee: Chang Chih-chung, Ho Ying-chin, Liu Fei; Political Subcommittee: Chang Chun, Shao Li-tse, Wu Chung-hsin (study revision of existing constitution); Foreign Affairs Subcommittee: Sun Fo, Wu Tieh-cheng, Chu Chia-hua (study question of “traitorous treaties”).
Ho Ping Jih Poo states army reorganization will be greatest obstacle in peace draft with no decision reached on which of following principles to adopt:
(1) Government and Communist each have own army; (2) overall reorganization at PCC; (3) reorganization after Peiping pattern.
Tabloid Chung Kuo Jih Pao states draft ready within 10 days, while Catholic organ Yi Shih Pao carries “unconfirmed report” committee has made following resolutions:
(1) Existing constitution may be modified or even radically changed if Communists insist; (2) Communists should reconsider demands, particularly regarding punishment war criminals as preliminary condition to peace talks; (3) new elements might be allowed participate in National Assembly and Legislative Yuan; (4) drafting overall army reorganization.
Sent Department; repeated Shanghai 243, Canton 139.