CHIANG KAI-SHEK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 October 1943, Page 3

CHIANG KAI-SHEK

INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT OF CHINA ON THE ANNIVERSARY DAY OF THE REPUBLIC. FAITH IN ULTIMATE VICTORY. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) CHUNGKING, October 11. Throughout rejoicing festivities firecrackers exploded and the capital was festooned with red lanterns and gay banners when Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek took the oatli as President of China on the anniversary of the Republic. He pledged himself to endeavour to recover China’s lost territory and comply with Dr Sun Yat Sen’s teachings.

The oath was administered in the presence of 400 of the highest officials and one woman—Madam Chiang Kaishek —there being no foreigners piesent. Thereafter, the new president held reception of the Diplomatic Corps, of which the largest contingent was the Russian, numbering 46, followed by 30 British and 24 American.. General Chiang declared that China’s policy is to achieve the early establishment of constiutional government. “I will respect public opinion in order to set an example for democratic rule in China,” he said. He added: “Now that ultimate victory is in sight, I will strive for the nation’s advancement and shudder at the thought of the great task falling on my shoulders.” The War Minister, Mr. Hoying Chin, said that final victory for the United Nations might be celebrated this time next year. Major-General Thomas Hearne, Lieutenant-General Stilwell’s chief of staff, broadcasting from New Delhi, said (hat the Allied Nations were now moving in for the kill. The end was in sight, but was not near.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, has sent the following message through Mr. Wang Feng, Consul-General of China, to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek on the occasion of his inauguration as President of the Chinese Republic: “The Government and people of New Zealand extend their warmest congratulations to you on your inauguration as President of the Chinese Republic. We have watched with distress the miseries of China’s peoples and ■with admiration their refusal to submit despite heavy odds. But the reward of China’s sacrifices will be assured by the vigour of her own arms joined with those of the forces of the United Nations.”