893.00/1–2249: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 22—5:08 a. m.]
84. Foreign Office official last night gave me purported Communist terms for North China:
- 1.
- War criminal label will be removed from Fu35 if he surrenders Peiping intact;
- 2.
- Life, property families of self and subordinates would then be protected;
- 3.
- Local troops (including, informer thought, Central Government troops) would on surrender be removed from Peiping (Paoting?), reorganized and sent location to be agreed upon jointly by both sides.
Indications were from this information Fu had no concrete assurances re future character and disposition those troops or he would enjoy any authority under Communists. Informant suggested Fu might be found still in command Peiping but it seems unlikely.
Communist rejection January 21 Executive Yuan proposals cessation hostilities and Gimo retirement presumably introduce new elements into thinking Fu’s camp which undoubtedly yearns over-all settlement. Same informer, however, stated time Peiping was short. This fits other indications (Sollenberger36 got rumor last night [that] today Communist ultimatum deadline Peiping) seems probably local settlement be forced on Peiping prior over-all settlement. Information given Sollenberger today by power company official [that] agreement completed except disposition 13th and 16th Armies.
[Page 72]Official stated brief recent interruption current was truly due technical difficulties Peiping receives 2,000–6,000 KW, that they received Communists’ instructions re procedure during takeover.
Important Government officials including at least two high ranking BIS leaders have departed Peiping and Minister of War, Hsu Yung-chang, reported arrived 20th and departed Peiping 21st.
Foreign Office representative states been determined explosion ex-Mayor Ho house caused by bomb, not artillery shell.
Sent Department 84; Nanking 74; Shanghai 73.