893.00/1–1149: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:30 p. m.]
39. Following account peace delegation (ourtel 28, Jan. 864) visit to Communist Headquarters obtained confidentially by Chinese our staff from reporter who got information from delegate.
Delegation returned here this morning having seen Lin Piao’s Chief Staff, name unknown, at spot on Taching River in Chinghaihsien. Chief Staff said Communist offensive being stopped 24 hours beginning 6 p. m., January 10 to give Tientsin garrison commander Chen time consider following surrender terms: (1) disarming all Nationalist troops, (2) keep order in city and preserve warehouse stocks, (3) Communists guarantee safety Nationalist officers, dependents and property and option go Nationalist areas. Chief Staff said if resistance kept up, Communists had sufficient forces take city and would not hesitate level it if needed.
Delegates asked Chief Staff help them go to Peiping present terms to Fu Tso-yi but got reply Communist could not delay capture Tientsin.
Delegates now seeing Chen. Delegates supposed return to Communist lines before 6 p. m. today with Chen’s reply.
Sent Department 39, repeated Nanking 38, Shanghai 33, Peiping 31.
- Not printed; four members of the Tientsin City Council undertook the mission.↩