893.00/4–2049: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 20—8:16 a. m.]
805. Nationalist Government has asked for extension of time to April 25 to consider CCP draft peace agreement. Although today is Communist deadline, no reply has been received. Among themselves Nationalist Government have decided to reject agreement and to continue resistance to end. Understand present plan is to publish all delegation proceedings and related documents for people’s information and at that time state publicly unable accept terms.
Chang Chun and Wu Chung-hsin have returned from Chikow. (See Embtel 799 to Department, April 20, repeated Canton 268, Shanghai 399). Their news is on the whole encouraging. Generalissimo’s wavering confidence in Li greatly strengthened by Acting President’s firm prompt decision to reject Communist terms and he sent word to Ho Ying-chin to support Li strongly in will to resist. He has also, according to our reports, rejected suggestion return public life lead resistance himself. Government leaders all united in decision to continue resistance and are presently working out plans unified command with Generalissimo’s approval, which may include President Li, Premier Ho and General Pai Chung-hsi.
Sent Department 805, repeated OffEmb Canton 272, Shanghai 403.