Source 5a

Transcript

In the course of his New Year message to the people of China, President Chiang Kai-shek said:

 

“The task which the government considered as of great importance was to recover the Northeast, thereby preserving China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. But unfortunately we have not been able to do this…Commercial and industrial cities as well as cultural centres in north and east China are now being menaced by the Communists. During this national crisis I cannot but blame myself for my inadequate leadership. I am sorry that I have not lived up to the high expectation of my people…

 

“We are convinced that all patriotic citizens will not tolerate the Communist method of ‘liquidation’, and ‘struggle’ and that they are not willing to abandon their liberty. But we are also fully aware that military operations have increased the people’s burden and that they hope for an early conclusion of the war. Having shouldered the responsibility of national affairs, I have carefully studied the situation and have been giving careful consideration to the wishes of the people.

 

“Being a strong believer in the three People’s Principles and abiding by Dr. Sun’s bequeathed teachings, I did not have any intention of fighting the Communists at the end of the way. Incredibly after V-J Day, the Government declared its principles for peace and reconstruction. Later it went one step further by seeking to solve the Communist question by means of political consultation. In the one-and-a-half years that elapsed, the Communists disregarded every agreement and the programmes started an all-out rebellion, thereby endangering the very existence of the nation. Unwillingly the Government was forced to order a general mobilisation and proceed with the anti-Communist campaign.

 

“Communism has already had a history of 25 years in China. In this period I have never for a moment given up the hope that the Communists would place the national interest above that of their own, would follow the regular courses as befitting a political party, and would join hands with the Government in finding ways to work for peace.

 

“The key to the problem of peace or war and to the happiness or suffering of the people is not in the hands of the Government, nor can the problem be solved by the popular appear for peace to the Government alone. The problem can only be decided by the Communists. If the Communists are sincerely desirous of peace, and clearly give such indication, the Government will be only too glad to discuss with them the means to end the war. If a negotiated peace is not detrimental to national independence and sovereignty, but contributes to the welfare of the people, if the constitution is not violated and constitutionalism is preserved, the democratic form of government is maintained, the entity of the armed forces is safeguarded and if the people’s free mode of living and the minimum living standard is protected, then I shall be satisfied… If peace can be secured, I am not at all concerned about my own position. In this I will follow only the consensus of the people.

 

“If, on the other hand, the Communists are not sincerely desirous of peace, and will insist on continuing their armed rebellion, the Government, with no other alternative, will fight them to the finish. I firmly believe that the Government will win out in the end…”

 

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