CHINA'S LEADER.

Evening Star, Issue 25004, 25 October 1943, Page 2

CHINA'S LEADER.

Before the Japanese invasion began China was divided by factions and warring bands that produced a condition little short of anarchy. The actions of the Japanese had the good effect of bringing about a measure of cohesion that was sadly needed. All through the developments that have occurred in the last six .years the heroic figure of Chiang Kai-shek has stood out in high relief.' He has-been an inspired leader in the struggle against the Japanese aggressors. When the Chinese President died lately it was regarded as inevitable that his successor would be Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, and this came to pass last montli at a meeting of the Kuomintang Central Executive Committee. Two developments are wrapped up in the election. The first is the elevation of the President from that of a mere figurehead to an office with real influence in China's affairs. The second is the announcement by the Kuomintang Central Executive Committee of its intention to abolish the one-party system of rule one year after the close of the war. It has been pointed out that this decision should be welcome news for China's Allies, for the reason that it promises not only a new step towards the achievement of true democracy, which will be favoured in Britain and America, but a wider sphere of influence for the Communists, which would seem likely to please the Soviet Union.

"What it is hoped will be effected is the healing of the rift between the Kuomintang and the Communists, a rift that has played into Japanese hands. In. a statement to the Central Executive Committee' General Chiang expressed the hope that the Communists would redeem their pledge of 1937 to give up the Communist movement, dissolve the Soviet organisation, and disband the Red army by incorporating it into the National army % In appointing the new President the Kuomintang's Central Executive _ Committee passed a resolution providing for him to be Generalissimo of China's land, naval, and air forces, and stipulated that hereafter he shall be responsible only to the Central Committee. A further decision was that a national committee shall be convened within a vear to adopt a constitution to be put into effect after the'war. One handicap to Chinese solidarity is the system of intrigue employed by tho Japanese and to a lesser extent by Germany. Spies have overrun the land, and the small sums they have been able to hand out have been a temptation in a country where extreme poverty is widespread. Through all her troubles, however, the Chinese have made a resolute stand against the invader, and under the direction of the new President there is not likely to be any evidence of weakening. ' _______