893.00/2–849: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 9—12:35 a. m.]
350. Reference Office Embassy Canton telegram 10, February 4. At dinner February 4 Foreign Office Vice Minister George Yeh likewise felt peace negotiations doomed. Present exit civic groups from Nanking and Shanghai to Peiping as peace emissaries Yeh claims as feelers for possible future “official” delegation. Has serious doubts if any will succeed, as Communists in position where negotiations short of unconditional surrender undesirable.
Yeh felt Communist delay at Yangtze due greatly future administrative problems Nanking and Shanghai which probably not fully planned as timetable 6 months ahead of schedule. Expects at least 1 month before take-over.
Repeated Office Embassy Canton 34, Shanghai 158, pouched Tsingtao, Hankow, Kunming, Chungking.