Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Minutes of Meeting Between General Marshall and General Chou En-lai at House 28, Chungking, February 25, 1946, 12 Noon
| Also present: | Col. Caughey |
| Mr. Chang |
General Chou opened the meeting by stating that he was glad the Generalissimo had approved the Basis for Reorganization of the National Armies49 and then asked General Marshall if it would be appropriate for the Military Sub-Committee to discuss, immediately after the formal signing of the document, the general aspects of the detailed plans or should these first be worked out by staff members. [Page 442] General Marshall stated that he had no objection to discussing the details but believed it more appropriate for the staff to work out the matters first.
General Chou then asked about the proposed trip to North China. General Marshall replied that he would discuss the trip with the Generalissimo and establish the schedule by tomorrow.
General Chou then stated that the agreement on Cessation of Hostilities and the present agreement on Reorganization both included jurisdiction by appropriate agencies over Manchuria; that he had explained his views to General Chang who was attentive but noncommittal; that it would be desirable to establish a policy now in order to avoid subsequent misunderstanding. General Marshall stated that he too was anxious about Manchuria and that it was very important to arrive at a peaceful solution rather than creating additional trouble. General Marshall continued that the actions on the part of the Communist representative of Executive Headquarters would do much to overcome apprehensions on the part of the National Government concerning possible ulterior motives on the part of the Communists; that the Communist Party has everything to gain by causing government people to believe in their sincere good faith. General Marshall continued by stating that he believed the Yenan statement50 regarding Manchuria was harmful and that the recent Communist-inspired demonstrations at Executive Headquarters may do much to destroy mutual confidence. General Marshall informed General Chou that it was for these reasons he had spoken to the local press editors the day before. He said that if his frank discussion with them would not produce results, he would consider again making a public statement.
General Marshall reminded General Chou that after the signing today, three big matters designed toward the unification of China, would have been completed and that through these and other means he was struggling every day to convince each side of the good faith of the other. General Chou assured General Marshall that he too desired to build confidence between the two parties and that the Communists would, in good faith, demobilize three million [300,000?] troops in Manchuria; also that Communist good faith is proven by the fact that they had not objected to five National armies in Manchuria. General Chou concluded by stating he realized cliques within the Kuomintang were trying to disrupt the agreements and that he understood their general plot.