893.00/4–349: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 3—6:04 a. m.]
696. ReEmbtel 693, April 1.78 Following are some comments made to me yesterday and today by prominent Nationalists re prospects for Peiping peace negotiations:
Chang Chih-chung, head peace delegation, displayed optimism eve his departure Peiping. He intends request Commies to agree Chinese foreign policy should be neither pro-American nor pro-Soviet but should rather treat both nations same way. Chang claimed should Commies refuse proposal he would resign as peace delegate.
Shao Li-tze intends to do his best to restrain war-minded elements [Page 224] in Kmt and as delegate to persuade CCP to broaden its position. He has no illusions re prejudice and suspicions on both sides and feels his own responsibility very keenly.
Carsun Chang79 supports Li Tsung-jen in his peace efforts but is very critical of Generalissimo. If peace talks fail, he proposes go abroad carry on literary activities against Commies, since he believes to do so in China would be almost impossible.
Li Huang, acting head Young China Party, informed me his party disposed to support Acting President in present policy, but is critical of many things about Government conduct of affairs in recent months. He confirmed what Carsun Chang had told me, namely, that plans are being considered unify Young China Party and Democratic Socialist Party as beginning more solidarity among non-Commie groups.
Sent Department, repeated Shanghai 324, OffEmb Canton 217.