CHINESE LEADER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22612, 28 December 1936, Page 10

CHINESE LEADER

FRICTION EASED RELEASE ANNOUNCED END OP THE REBELLION HOSTILITIES TO CEASE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received December 27, 5.5 p.m.) SHANGHAI. Dec. 20 The President of the Executive Yuan of the Central Government, Marshal Chiang Kai-shek, who was held prisoner by the rebel Governor of Shensi, Marshal Chang Hsuehliang, has been released, according to an official announcement. The release of Marshal Chiang means the end of the rebellion. It is officially stated that his release was unconditional. His first action was to order a cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of tho attacking Government troops. Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang explains that the revolt was due to a "misunderstanding," which has now been cleared up. The Marshal's adviser, Mr. W. IT. Donald, and Mr. T. V. Soong, former Foreign Minister, were also released. A message from 1 Nanking states that Chiang Kai-shek's arrival there by air was followed by Chang Hsueh-liang's arrival, also by air, two hours later. The terms on which Chiang Kai-shek was released are still unknown but it is stated that tho two leaders are in complete harmony and that Chang Hsueh-liang is retaining the command of his troops.-Weil-informed persons state that the terms include the payment of a large sum for arrears of wages to Chang Hsueh-liang's troops.

PENITENT CAPTOR RETURN FOR PUNISHMENT CROWDS CHEER PRESIDENT (Received Docember 27, 7.15 p.m.) NANKING. Dec. 26 Two hundred thousand people cheered Chiang Kai-shek when he alighted at the aerodrome. He said his release was largely due to his wife's tact and courage. Chiang issued a 2000-word address to Chang Hsueh-liang and his colleague, General Yang Hu-cheng, declaring that they had been prejudiced against him by reactionaries who had impugned his sincerity and loyalty to the Republic. He added that obviously they now realised their mistake and were ready to correct it "as Chinese gentlemen should."

Chiang Kai-shek invited his excaptors to submit to punishment but promised to intercede with the Government on their behalf. One phrase in the address to Chang Hsueh-liang, namely, '"you are no longer attempting to force me to promise to give orders," is interpreted as an indication that Chiang Kai-shek was released without agreeing to Hsueh-liang's demands. Hsueh-liang in a letter to Kai-shek said: "I have penitently followed you to Nanking to await fitting punishment. I will accept even death if it will be beneficial to the country. Do not let sentiment or friendship deter you from dealing with me as I deserve.''

Chinese everywhere enthusiastically celebrated Kai-shek's release. It is believed that the incident has greatly increased the strength of the Nanking Government. A message from Tokio states that Japan fears the settlement is due to a compromise which probably is partly anti-Japanese.

HUMBLE ATTITUDE * GREAT CRIME" COMMITTED CHIANG URGES LENIENCY (Received December 27, 6.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 26 The Shanghai correspondent of the New York Times confirms the news that Chang Hsueh-liang, on arriving at Nanking, declared he was ready to accept punishment, however severe. He wrote to Chiang Kai-shek abjectly describing himself as "a surly, unpolished, rustic and impudent lawbreaker" who had committed a great crime. Chiang Kai-shek in a statement said everything must await the decisions of the Nanking Government but he would recommend leniency for Chang Hsuehliang, who acted as he did through poor leadership. "I am commander-in-chief," he said, "and I must hold myself responsible for the incident which makes any ache."