Public Servant

While their leader secluded himself in cold, lonely Kuling last winter, the Chinese people knew only that he was meditating on China's fate. Last week, China and the world learned of the decision Chiang had reached. In an effort to lead China farther along the road to democracy, Chiang Kai-shek would relinquish the presidency of his country.

"Not Ordinary Practice." In the old-fashioned auditorium in Nanking's Kuomintang compound, 300 members of the party's executive committee convened. Their purpose: to nominate a presidential and vice presidential candidate for election this month by the National Assembly. It seemed a foregone conclusion that Chiang would be the candidate for the presidency. The Generalissimo, who presided over the meeting, looked more solemn than usual. Mme. Chiang was in the audience. Then Chiang rose and began to speak, slowly and carefully.

"Let me tell you, my dear comrades," he said, "that never since I joined the revolution have I been called on to make such a decision. ... On account of the contributions we made during the northern expedition and the war of resistance, the foundation of the republic has been greatly strengthened. The idea of democracy has become a popular sentiment. In these circumstances our party does not need to keep the post and honor of the presidency. . . . We can entrust to a person outside the party the grave responsibility of making the constitution a living thing. Only in this manner shall we rally the support of the people. . . .

"As long as the nation remains disunited I am determined not to run for the presidency.. . . This is not mere modesty. It is my sincere conviction."

His listeners were literally stunned to silence. In the stillness, Chiang spoke again: "I know that for the party to choose a nonpartisan as a presidential candidate is not ordinary practice in democratic party politics. But it should not harm us to try it. Remember this is all a great experiment for us in constitutional democracy. . . ."

Two Views of a Struggle. Committeeman after committeeman urged Chiang to stay at the helm. But Chiang remained adamant. Gradually, it became plain that his move was an effort to show the civil war in a clearer light. The Communists present it as a struggle between two parties. Chiang sees it as a conflict between the Reds on one side and China's national life and culture on the other. Explaining the qualifications of China's next President, Chiang said: "The President must have a profound understanding of our history, culture and national traditions. It is evident that the Communists are determined to undermine the very existence of our country."

These words pointed clearly to Dr. Hu Shih, one of China's greatest educators, who is not a member of the Kuomintang and who has recently advocated uncompromising resistance to Communism. Chiang would probably stay on as head of the army and perhaps as Premier. But he clearly meant to guide the Chinese people away from their reliance on one-man leadership. Said he: "Whoever is President I will support with all my heart and all my strength. I will prove to the people that I am a loyal public servant."

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.