893.00/4–649: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 6—8:23 a. m.]
716. Li Tsung-jen sent me following report by his advisor Kan Chieh-hou. Emissary from Peiping arrived last night with message for Acting President which latter interprets is in nature of ultimatum from Communists. It is desired that some high-ranking person proceed at once to Peiping to represent Nationalist Government on Army Reorganization Committee. It is expected by Communist[s] that Acting President himself wall proceed to Peiping as this representative. If so, Mao will act as chairman and Li Tsung-jen as vice chairman of committee. If Li will not go, Ho Ying-chin is suggested. Formal conversation of Army Reorganization Committee will begin April 9 and terminate 12th. Talks must be concluded by latter date. There will be no crossing of Yangtze before 12th unless peace talks break down. Communist forces will cross Yangtze whether there is peace or war. Failure to send representative or to reach agreement by specified date will cause Communists to cross river promptly.
It is further stipulated that CCP will have majority of one on Army Reorganization Committee. In addition to President and [Page 230] Premier it would be desirable to have heads of three Yuans, Chu Cheng, Tung Kuan-hsien and Yu Yu-jen. Committee would designate location for Government troops by divisions (no two divisions stationed together). Training of Nationalist divisions will begin immediately. After Communist forces have crossed Yangtze, they will take over administration of all municipalities and control of all local militia and police.
Following convocation of Army Reorganization Committee, Political Consultative Conference based on one held under General Marshall will be resumed. Kmt will not be accepted as such, KmtRC88 taking its place. Individual Kmt members may join latter group; minor parties to be ignored.
Re war criminals, no leniency for Generalissimo, Chen brothers and Chen Cheng,89 (T. V. Soong and H. H. Kung90 were not mentioned possibly because they are both outside Chinese jurisdiction). All others on war criminal list may redeem themselves by doing something to assist new order such as ceasing resistance, et cetera.
While messenger was non-Communist and member of KmtRC, Acting President regards him as emissary in fact for CCP.
Department please pass Peiping in its discretion.
Sent Department 716, repeated OffEmb Canton 228, Shanghai 342.