CHANG PENITENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 154, 28 December 1936, Page 7

CHANG PENITENT

"WILL ACCEPT EVEN DEATH"

HARMONY RESTORED

NANKING, December 27. General and Madame Chiang Kaishek arrived by air, followed by General Chang Sueh-liang, who also arrived by air two hours later. The terms on which Chiang Kai-shek was released are still unknown. Mr. Donald told the British United Press news agency. correspondent that Chiang Kai-shek and Chang Sueh-liang were in complete harmony. He added that Chang Sueh-liang was retaining command of his troops. The British United Press agency quotes well-informed circles as stating that the terms include the payment of a large sum of arrears of wages to Chang Sueh-liang's troops. Two hundred thousand people cheered General Chiang Kai-shek when he alighted from his aeroplane at the aerodrome. He said his release was largely due to his wife's tact and courage. He issued a 2000-word address to Chang Sueh-liang and his colleague, Yang Hu-cheng, declaring that they had been prejudiced against him by reactionaries who impugned his sincerity and loyalty to the republic, adding that obviously they now. realise their mistake and are ready to correct it, "as Chinese gentlemen should." Chiang Kai-shek invited his former captors to submit to punishment and promised to intercede with the Government on their behalf. One phrase in the address to Chang Sueh-liang, namely, "You are no longer attempting to force me to promise to give orders.",is interpreted aVan indication that Cliiang was released without agreeing to Chang Sueh-liang's demands. Chang sent a letter to Chiang Kaishek saying: "I have penitently followed you to Nanking to await fitting, punishment. I will accept even death if it would be beneficial to the country. Don't let sentiment or friend-1 ship deter you from dealing with me as I deserve." Chinese everywhere enthusiastically celebrated Chiang Kai-shek's release. It is believed that the incident has greatly increased the strength of the j ■Nanking Government.