893.00/2–1349: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 17—2:56 a. m.]
383. Chung Yang Jih Pao February 12 carries interview with Wu Yu-hou, Secretary Nanking Peace Delegation which returned Nanking [Page 125] February 11. Wu says delegation brought back Communist views which are “more concrete and a step forward” from Mao’s eight points, but contents cannot be revealed at this time. When reporter asked specifically regarding points 1 and 4, Wu smiled broadly and said, “there is hope for peace”.
Wu says delay of party in Tsingtao due Yeh Chien-ying’s having to refer names of delegates to CCP central authorities for approval and 2-day delay Peiping before conferring with Communist authorities also because Yeh awaiting instructions. Party warned not to have contact with outsiders in order prevent reporters issuing confused reports which would hinder peace talks.
Wu reports party had conversations with Yeh Chien-ying, Hsu Ping, Jung Tsu-ho (Nieh Jung-chen’s political commissioner) and Tao Chu (Lin Piao’s political commissioner) and that in addition he responded to private invitations to visit Lin Piao and Nieh Jung-chen. Wu quotes Yeh as affirming CCP’s sincerity in wanting peace, citing as evidence sincerity, their sufferings in civil war, Mao’s trip to Chungking and CCP’s participation in Political Consultative Conference. Asserting Communists having difficulty taking over cities, Wu quotes Yeh as saying, “we entered Peiping like beggars, eyes wide with wonder. Having been used to wearing straw sandals, our newly-donned leather shoes still feel uncomfortable”.
According to Wu, Communists have made few changes in Peiping government organs because of lack trained personnel. Proof of their low standards for political workers, he says, is fact that even primary school graduates can enter Peiping universities run by Communists for purpose training political corps. Wu asserts attitude of people in general towards Communists is reserved.
Sent Department 383; repeated American Embassy Canton 57, Peiping 49, Shanghai 176.