893.00/1–2549: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:02 p. m.]
208. Govt under new Chief of State is doing utmost to secure peace. Present Cabinet claims following 5 points already to its credit toward this goal: [Page 83]
- 1.
- New Year’s message of Gimo
- 2.
- Approach to Big Four for mediation55
- 3.
- Executive Yuan approval of cease-fire proposal56
- 4.
- Resignation Gimo
- 5.
- Appointment of peace delegation to represent Govt
Both Acting President and Foreign Minister,57 however, have sent word to me that despite their all-out efforts for peace, Govt would not surrender; that if Communists finally prove intractable new President would withdraw with all remaining armed forces to South China and continue resistance from there. Foreign Minister together with Shao Li-tze and Chang Chih-chung have sent urgent request to me that US Govt issue some sort of statement reaffirming its traditional policy of national sovereignty and administrative and territorial integrity of China as an American desire for unity, peace, economic recovery and political democracy in China. They felt statement along these general lines would reassure “liberals in both Kmt arid CCP”. They further expressed hope that any public statement would avoid expression of refusal to deal with any form of coalition in which CCP was dominant.
Sent Dept 208, repeated Shanghai 99.