INTERNAL STRIFE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26028, 17 December 1945, Page 5

INTERNAL STRIFE

PROBLEM OF CHINA UNIFICATION ESSENTIAL UNITED STATES PLAN WASHINGTON, (Rec. 0.5 a.m.) Dec. 16. “ Events in this century indicate that a breach of peace anywhere in the world threatens the peace of the entire world. It is thus in the vital interest of all the United Nations that the Chinese overlook no opportunity to adjust their internal differences promptly by peaceful negotiation," said President Truman when he stressed the need for a strong, united and democratic China in the interest of world peace. “The United States believes it is essential, first, that the cessation of hostilities should be arranged between the armies of the National Government, the Communists, and other dissident armed forces to complete the return of all China to effective Chinese control, including the immediate evacuation of the Japanese forces,” said Mr Truman. “ Secondly, that a national conference of representatives of the major political elements should be arranged to develop an early solution to internal strife—a solution which will achieve the unification of China.” The United States and other United Nations recognised the present National Government as the only legal Government in China. It was the proper instrument to achieve the objective of a unified China. After referring to the Cairo and Potsdam declarations and the ChinaSoviet treaty, President Truman added: “To remove the possibility of Japanese influence remaining in China, the United States assumed an obligation in the disarmament and evacuation of the Japanese troops, and accordingly it will continue to assist the National Government in that respect. The marines are in North China for that purpose, for which a prompt arrangement for the cessation of hostilities is essential. No Military Intervention “United States support will not extend to military intervention to influence the course of any Chinese internal strife. Pacific .peace may be jeopardised, and even frustrated, unless Japanese influence in China is wholly removed and unless China takes her place as a unified, democratic, and peaceful nation. Hence the maintenance for the time being of United States military and naval forces in China. “The United States is cognisant of the fact that the present National Government is a one-party Government and believes that peace, unity, and democratic reform will be furthered if the basis is broadened to include other political elements. Hence the United States strongly advocates that a National Conference agree to arrangements which would give the elements fair and effective representation in the'Government. It is recognised that this, would require a modification of the political tutelage established in the interim in the nation’s progress towards democracy by Dr Sun Yat Sen. The existence of autonomous armies like the Communist Army is inconsistent with political unity in China and actually makes it impossible. Hence, with the institution of a broadly representative Government, autonomous armies should be eliminated as such and all armed forces in China integrated into the Chinese National Army. China’s Responsibility The United States considers that detailed steps to achieve political unity must be worked out by,the Chinese themselves. The intervention of any foreign Government would be inappropriate. The United States, however, feels that China has a responsibility to the other United Nations to eliminate internal armed conflict. This responsibility is shared by the Government, and by all political and military groups. The United States would be prepared as China moves towards peace and unity along such lines to assist the National Government to rehabilitate the country, to improve its agrarian and industrial economy, and to establish an adequate military organisation. It would be prepared favourably to consider Chinese requests for credits and loans for projects which would contribute to the development of a healthy economy in China and healthy trade relations between China and the United States.” The American Associated Press comments that President Truman’s plan for the unification of China includes outright economic pressure. Diplomats estimate that this policy brings greater pressure on General Chiang Kai-shek than General Hurley was ever willing to use. It adds that China had asked the United States for a loan of an undisclosed amount, and mentioned an ultimate credit of at least 2,000.000.000 dollars. President Truman’s declaration presumably shelves the request pending reports from General Marshall.