General George Marshall's sharp eye saw a chance for Chinese peace. Chiang Kai-shek was willing to halt his armies in Manchuria for seven days; Communist Negotiator Chou En-lai wanted a one-month armistice. Marshall asked shrewd Dr. Lo Lung-chi, head of the pink-tinged Democratic League, to help him work out a compromise. Together they led the rival leaders to a middle ground: a 15-day truce in Manchuria.
As usual, the Communists scored a news beat; Chou announced the agreement at an American Embassy cocktail party. Next day Chiang gave it substance by ordering his generals to hold "all advances, attacks and pursuits."...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
