MESSAGE TO CHINESE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 55, 2 September 1937, Page 9

MESSAGE TO CHINESE

CHIANG KAI-SHEK

"MUST RESIST AGGRESSION"

"The Post" has been asked to publish the following translation, from a recent Chinese newspaper, of General Chiang Kai-sheWs message to the Chinese people:—

"Whilst China has been striving, to live at peace with th« Commonwealth of Nations and to attain unity within its borders, suddenly this Lukowchiao incident occurred \vhich not Only took the Chinese people unawares but also perturbed the whole world. The re-, percussions of this incident will not only affect China's future but also the world peace. "The Chinese people are essentially a peace-loving people. Our internal policy is that of self-preservation and a mutual existence alongside that of other nations, and the hope that "all matters should be dealt with.through proper, diplomatic channels. We are a weak people and therefore peace is essential to our progress. This is the reason why we have borne so much hardship and undertaken so much shame- during the past years. If there is still a gleam of peace we must not lose sight of it, and we must nqt make any unnecessary sacrifices of life or property whilst such a gleam exists. On the other hand, if- there is no alternative but sacrifice, then we must sacrifice everything to assure our ultimate victory. There must be no compromise. Compromise means surrender, and surrender means the eclipse of our people. When the moment for sacrifice comes we mtist not look back.

"A month prior to this Lukowchiao incident we heard of extending the Tanku Truce, extending the East Hopei Administration ' (the demilitarised zone), the eviction of the 29th Army, and i-nany other episodes which wpre sufficient to indicate the happening and pave- the,way for this Lukowchiao incident. All these incidents were suffix cient to prove their' intention of dealing us a death blow. Now peace is riot easily attained. It appears that the only way open for peace is to allow the Japanese 4rmy full licence to move whither they feel inclined, together with restrictions upon, the movements of our own soldiers. This is tantamount to allowing, Japanese soldiers to fire on us without being allowed to reply in kind. It is as if we were fish for them to handle as they please. We are fast approaching a point which is beyond oilr ability to bear. We lost Manchuria in 1931, and trouble is now at the gates of Peking. If we yield to, their demands arising out of this Lukowchiao incident, this political and cultural, centre'of Peking will immediately 'become a second Mukden (the (rouble centre of 1931). The Hopei and Chahar Provinces will immediately become a second Manchukuo and Nanking and Shanghai will immedialejy

become a second Peking and Tientsin. This Lukowchiao incident is the limit of our national safety. ...

THE ONLY COURSE OPEN.

"If there is no peace, then we must resist invasion. We must not look for, war, but must resist aggression. The only course open for the people is to trust your Government and thoroughly prepare itself for any eventuality. W$ are a weak people and therefore peace must be our aim. Nevertheless, we

must preserve our people as a race, and must honour our duty which our forefathers have bequeathed to us. Whether this Lukowchiao incident will lead' to a Sino-Japanese war or not depends entirely on the Japanese Government. Even at this last moment we. I are'still hoping for peace. The lowest [terms which we can accept in settlement of the incident are:—

"1. No infringement of , our sovereignty. ;■ ,• ."

"2. The Hopei Charhar Council cannot be changed other than by its own rules and regulations.

"3. Government officers cannot be dismissed upon the coercion of other peoples. "4. Restrictions as regardmg the stations of the 29th Army imposed by other peoples will hot be acceptable.

"It is very true that China and Japan must not be allowed to become deadly enemies. Of course we are still seeking peace, but failing that, the Govern^ ment will handle the business with utmost care. If war ensues, no matter whether of the North or of the South; whether young or old, all must take up your duty to defend your native land. The whole population must obey the command and preserve order throughout the country."