Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Minutes of Meeting Between General Marshall and Chairman Mao Tse-tung at Yenan, March 4, 1946
Mr. Mao thanked General Marshall for his assistance and effort in the restoration of peace in China and the unification of the two contending political factions. He assured General Marshall that the Chinese Communist Party would abide wholeheartedly by the terms of the Agreement for the Cessation of Hostilities, the Resolutions of the Political Consultative Council, and the Basis for the Demobilization of the Army and the Integration of Communist Forces into the National Army, and that under the leadership of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, and the encouragement and assistance of American friends, all the Agreements would no doubt be translated into positive action which was sine qua non in China’s program of reconstruction.
General Marshall said that he was gratified with the spirit of the Chinese Communist Party and was particularly appreciative of the fine show of cooperation, straightforwardness, and friendliness of General Chou En-lai during the entire course of negotiations. He added that standing in the middle, between the two rivaling parties, he had been subjected to pressure from both sides, and had noticed on both sides a sign of considerable reluctance and evident distrust. He said that irreconcilable elements for selfish reasons had been obstructing the course of China’s national unification. He explained that as the Kuomintang was the ruling party, it was natural that the selfish cliques in it would be conservative in surrendering its power. These obstructing elements, General Marshall added, were to be expected but definitely not tolerated.
General Marshall said that he did not intend to meddle with China’s internal affairs but that he had come to China to help as a friend and on China’s request. He continued that he had talked very frankly [Page 502] and confidentially with General Fo Cho-yi71 at Kweisui, and General Yen Hsi-shan at Taiyuan both of whom pledged unreserved cooperation. He said that it was urgently necessary for China to achieve without delay a degree of unification before the world in order to secure her rights. American assistance, Army, Navy and Air, could not remain in China indefinitely. It would be very difficult and almost impossible for China to get along without American help at the present time, and American public opinion had been clamoring for the recall of American aid unless and until justified by stability and unification.
Mr. Mao said that with respect to the agreement for the restoration of communication, his Party would do everything to carry out the terms and that he sincerely hoped the Agreement for the Cessation of Hostilities would be applicable to Manchuria and that Field Teams would be sent there.
General Marshall replied that it was his understanding that the Agreement for the Cessation of Hostilities was applicable to Manchuria. He said that he was embarrassed by the Yenan statement to the effect that Manchuria was not within the scope of the Agreement for the Cessation of Hostilities. He explained that he did not mean to interfere with political measures which might be considered expedient by the Communist Party, but that his effort had been embarrassed by the Yenan statement, adding however that he did not wish Mr. Mao to comment on the matter.
General Marshall said that in keeping with Mr. Mao’s statement that Manchuria came within the scope of the Agreement of the Cessation of Hostilities, he had been contemplating the dispatch of Field Teams to Manchuria. The Generalissimo, however, was reluctant, for fear that American presence in that area might give the Russians excuses and precipitate international complications.
Regarding the question of Chihfeng, General Marshall said that the situation there would be settled by the reorganization of the Army and the redistribution of forces, and that to retain the Field Team at Chihfeng would be beneficial.
General Marshall said that China has come to the time when political difference must be set aside for future discussion, argument, and debate; when interest of the individual must yield to that of the majority. At the present, all efforts must be directed to the good of China and her people, to cease hostility, to restore communications and to repatriate Japanese.
General Marshall concluded that having been assured of cooperation from both Parties, he would do everything within his power to expedite [matters?].
- Fu Tso-yi.↩