CHINA’S PRESIDENT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 1, 12 October 1943, Page 5

CHINA’S PRESIDENT

CHIANG TAKES THE OATH. DEMOCRATIC RULE PLEDGED. (N.Z. Press Association--Copyright.) CHUNGKING, October 11. Fire-crackers exploded all over Chungking, amid rejoicing and festivities, and the capital was festooned with red lanterns and gay banners when Marshal Chiang Kai-shek took the oath as President of China on the anniversary day of the Chinese Republic. He pledged himself to endeavour to recover China’s lost territory and to. comply with Sun Yat-sen’s teachings.

The oath was administered in the presence of 400 high officials. One woman was present —Madame Chiang Kai-shek. No foreigners attended the ceremony. Afterwards the new President held a reception of the Diplomatic Corps, of which the largest contingent was the Russian, numbering 46, followed by -30 British • officials, and 24 Americans.

Marshal Chiang Kai-shek said that China’s policy was to, achieve the early establishment of a constitutional Government. ,“I will respect public opinion in order to set an example for democratic rule in China,” he said. “Now that ultimate victory is in sight I will strive for the nation’s advancement, and I shudder at the thought of the great task falling on my shoulders.” The Chinese War Minister (General Ho Ying-chin) said that the final victory of the United Nations might be celebrated at this time in 1944. “China and the United States can look forward in the not far distant future to Japan’s unconditional surrender and an opportunity for building a prosperous, lasting peace,” said the Vice-President of the United States (Mr Henry . Wallace), broadcasting from Washington on the occasion of the anniversary of the Chinese Republic. He added: “it is conventional to say that China needs American help, hut actually we need China’s help as much as she needs ours.”