Office of the Historian

893.00/7–2045: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, July 20, 1945.
[Received July 20—4:30 p.m.]

1194. People’s Political Council adopted on July 19 by vote of 187 out of 196 members present following four resolutions (as appearing in Central News) which had been recommended by special committee of 30 members comprising various political factions, appointed by council to study and report on various proposals relating to inauguration of constitutional rule and convocation of National Assembly:

  • “1. The date for the convocation of the National Assembly is to be left to the discretion of the Government.
  • 2. The membership of the Assembly, with due regard to the legal and practical aspects of the issue and in accord with the opinions of the P. P. C. members, to have the fullest possible representation of all classes of people in the country.
  • 3. When a constitution is adopted, a constitutional government shall be inaugurated.
  • 4. Prior to the convocation of the Assembly, the Government to continue to employ all available political means for attaining national unity and solidarity, to insure freedom of opinion, of publication, of assembly, of organizing political societies, to enforce the Habeas Corpus Act, to recognize the legal status of various political parties and to complete the setting up of people’s representative organs in [Page 438] all provinces of free China in order to lay a solid foundation for local self-government.”

Following adoption of resolutions, Dr. Wang Shih-chieh, presiding, requested all members to assist Government in its efforts to make necessary preparations for inauguration of a constitutional regime at an early date and to make National Assembly fully representative of people. He expressed hope that Government will adopt and enforce resolutions.

Further reports on PPC will follow.

Hurley