893.00/1–2749: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:57 p. m.]
128. Re Contel 94, January 22 [20], Old-time police official who recently met Communist delegates informed that on January 22 before making address to local officials Fu met with Yeh Chien-ying65 in final conference before agreement. At meeting Yeh requested Fu hand over National Generals Shih Chueh and Li Wen but Fu refused and Yeh acquiesced.
Per this information, joint administrative organ already formed, personnel designated. Also public utility organs and administrative post as well. Holding up formal announcement question arranging for semblance proper authority in present circumstances for resignation Mayor Liu, appointment Yeh. Source said visit to Peiping of Li Tsung-jen delegate (telegram 116, January 2466) related partly present problem. Also says Li agreed local settlement, that liaison officers are being dispatched from Nanking elsewhere for coordination moves leading first local to end overall settlement shall finally be one of pattern and that Yen Hsi-shan67 is also in picture. He reports psychological difficulty as Yen regards Yeh as mere youngster and recent telegram from Fu to Yen remained unanswered [be] cause Yen senior relationship position to Fu.
[Page 88]Re Fu’s future, informant says Fu’s sole request was for return troops Suiyuan (home of most) and their disbandment whereupon Fu intends retire. Believe reserve should be exercised on reaching conclusions re Fu’s intentions.
Informant stated Communists recognize problems are (1) lack administrative personnel, (2) economic and (3) winning support of people. For source, Yeh Chien-ying, after above conference, returned headquarters Hsiangshan in west hills. This source emphasized both Nationalists and Communists aware high desirability extending full protection to foreigners and said Communists showed real interest also in developing foreign trade.
Sent Department 128; repeated Nanking 109, Shanghai 106.