893.00/3–345: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 4—1:35 p.m.]
354. Although Generalissimo’s address of March 1 has doubtless been reported to Washington through press channels, Embassy is sending full text under separate telegram. (Our 343, March 1 [2.]) It will be noted that National Assembly to inaugurate constitutional government is to be convened on November 12. Much of address is devoted primarily to indictment of Communists for their attitude during recent negotiations.
Address is generally regarded here as attempt to influence foreign and especially American opinion against Communists. It does, however, indicate clearly how wide is the fundamental breach between Chungking and Yenan. It states that various parties and factions other than Kuomintang will not have legal status until after institution of constitutional government and that until or unless Communist Party hands over to Kuomintang military and political control it cannot hope to achieve legal status; it resents Communist demand for immediate abolishment of one-party government and termination of period of political tutelage; it states that although member [number?] of other parties may join government, until convocation of National Assembly it will be impossible for Kuomintang to surrender political responsibility to other parties.
It is reliably reported that on morning of March 1 Communist headquarters here received telegram from Yenan (assumably despatched prior to delivery of Generalissimo’s address) announcing that a Communist representative would return to Chungking to resume negotiations. Whether publicity given to Kuomintang’s version of negotiations will affect projected visit is unknown; it will probably in any case lead to counter-publicity and propaganda by Communists.