893.00/4–2049: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 20—5:59 a. m.]
807. National Government has sent message Communists rejecting draft peace agreement but requesting cease-fire order so discussions aimed at achieving acceptable settlement may continue. Message expected be delivered Communist in Peiping around 6 p. m.
Meanwhile Communists have informed National peace delegation Peiping that if negative answer or no answer is received to their proposals today they will consider negotiations broken off and will begin crossing river. This message signifies rejection National Government request for extension time limit to April 25.
Executive Yuan decided today to take steps for immediate removal remaining National Government’s Ministries, Bureaus and offices from Nanking.
Sent Department, repeated OffEmb Canton 273, Shanghai 405.