Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Brigadier General Henry A. Byroade and Mr. Walter S. Robertson to General Marshall
474. On afternoon of February 23 [20] Executive Headquarters premises and inner offices were twice invaded by a noisy mob of 500 or more demanding to see Commissioner Yeh. They were purported to be country people from outlying Hsiens of Hopei demanding means to return to their homes, restoration of communications, cessation of Communist grain levies and other protests directed toward Communist administration in the outlying areas. Apparently no effort was made by civil or military authorities to prevent entry of the mob into the corridors of the building. Police on outskirts of the mob stated that they had been alerted in regard to the demonstration early in the morning. There is no other evidence of possible National Government organization of the mob, possibly in retaliation for reported inspired Communist demonstrations in the field. If inspired, demonstration may have gone further than intended. Because the Headquarters cannot proceed in orderly operation in the face of such rowdyism, strong representation was made to the National Government branch. Approach was along lines that we and Communists were guests here with[in] Nationalist area and they were responsible for maintaining order. Three Commissioners are making formal protest to Mayor to the appropriate military authorities and both Chinese commissioners suggest that Three Commissioners should also address [Page 439] communication to Gimo. No action indicated by you unless further advised.
Communists last night stated their reluctance to do business on the premises. General Yeh, in a spirit of righteous indignation, indicated that the matter was so serious he would have to consider until this morning what action he would take. He indicated that he might go to Yenan but that in any event he would make a complete report to General Chou En-lai. This seemed opportune time to present evidence we have collected of Communist propaganda activities within Peiping and in outlying field team areas. He and his politicos who were present were considerably taken aback. There have been many reports from American team members of excessive Communist membership of field teams and of activities of their field team members outside Executive Headquarters work. It is obvious that they have organized mass meetings in outlying team areas. Some of our teams have received a deluge of petitions from people who cannot read or write and of such similarity as to indicate instigation by the Communists. While the Communist field teams are greatly overstrength, the Communist portion of Executive Headquarters is understrength to the point of retarding our operations. We have transported sufficient personnel to Peiping but they are not all working here with Executive Headquarters, although we have just learned they wear Executive Headquarters badges and live with Communist members of Executive Headquarters.
We had prepared the above evidence for presentation to the Communists today and had intended a simultaneous report to you. General Yeh was apologetic and admitted certain things of a propaganda nature of which we had not heard. He promised to take immediate action to correct situation of which we complain (on specific matters in this line which we will present today).
Pending further report on developments believe you should take no action on Communist activities in this organization.