My immediately preceding telegram 58. [1]

'For some time past China has been disturbed by open war between
the nationalist Government and the Communist forces. This is
China's own affair and how and when she settles it is an internal
matter in which no outsider should interfere. But China is a
permanent member of the Security Council and one of the greater
members of the United Nations and so all of us must be concerned
at the existence of a state of affairs which weakens and divides
her. Recent reports indicate the almost universal desire for peace
on the part of the suffering people of China.

For these reasons, we must all be anxious for an early end to this
civil war. We all were very pleased when, some short time ago, the
National Government proposed to the Communists a cease fire and
the opening of negotiations, when the Communists on their side
agreed to the opening of negotiations and put forward their terms
for the settlement and the National Government accepted these
points as a basis for negotiation.

Now that both sides have expressed their readiness to commence
negotiations, I hope that they will commence negotiations without
delay. I trust that both sides will refrain from any unnecessary
bitterness or from putting forward harsh demands and make every
effort to reach a very early agreement.'