Record of a Conversation with Jiang Jingguo, Personal Representative of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, January 3, 1946

Source: Tom 18

The second conversation with Jiang Jingguo took place on January 3, 1946.

Stalin asked about the progress of negotiations between the Guomindang and the Chinese Communist Party.

Jiang Jingguo said that the Generalissimo was making every effort to reach an agreement and that an agreement was possible if the communists were willing to cooperate sincerely.

Stalin: A political settlement in China is absolutely necessary. If China plunges into civil war, the country will be weakened and foreign powers will be able to take advantage of the situation. China's unity is the most important thing. Both the Guomindang and the communists must make compromises for the sake of the Chinese people.

Stalin then raised the question of the Chinese Eastern Railway and Port Arthur, reiterating the Soviet Union's commitment to the terms of the treaty of August 14, 1945.

Stalin: We wish to maintain a Soviet military base at Port Arthur for a defined period. This is not directed against China. On the contrary, it serves as a guarantee against future Japanese aggression, which is in the interests of both our countries.

On economic cooperation:

Stalin: We propose to establish joint Soviet-Chinese companies for the exploitation of Manchuria's natural resources. This would benefit both countries. The Soviet Union has the technology and China has the resources and labor.

Jiang Jingguo conveyed Chiang Kai-shek's positive view of expanding economic cooperation and expressed the hope that the Soviet Union would support China in the United Nations.

Stalin: China is a great power and we support China's role in international affairs. We believe that the cooperation of the Soviet Union, China, the United States, and Great Britain is essential for maintaining peace in the postwar world.

The conversation lasted approximately two and a half hours.