Kai-shek Firm Against Hints that He Should Resign

Grey River Argus, 20 December 1948, Page 5

Kai-shek Firm Against Hints that He Should Resign

(Rec. 9.25) NANKING, Dec. 18. A reliable Shanghai source i eported that President Truman, in effect, had asked Marshal Chiang Kai-shek whether he had considered i esigning the presidency of China. This source, who holds an official position in the Chinese National Government, and who is in close contact with the United States Embassy said that Mi Truman had raised the question in a letter replying to Marshal Chiang Kai-shek’s appeal for more American ' Observers say that Marshal Chiang Kai-shek has met all hints, and even a direct suggestion, that he iesign with a flat’rejection. He is said to feel that, if he resigns, the Chinese Nationalist fight against Communism would collapse. There is mounting evidence, however, that the Marshal is willing to delegate his powers to the War Cabinet, while devoting all of his personal time to the military situation. He has become more amendable, more accessible, and more willing to listen to the opinions ot others. A coup to overthrow him is considered not to be likely.