893.408/1
The Chargé in China (Vincent) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 16.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a despatch39 submitted by Mr. Drumright, Secretary of the Embassy on detail at Chengtu, [Page 217] in regard to a meeting of Szechuan delegates of the San Min Chu I (People’s Three Principles) Youth Corps.
In the third paragraph of his despatch, Mr. Drumright correctly indicates the significance of the Youth Corps: “It is generally held that the purpose of the San Min Chu I Youth Corps is to direct the political thought of Chinese youth along orthodox channels and specifically to shield them from the communist doctrines which were attracting Chinese youth in large numbers some four or five years ago.” Incidentally, a great deal of the so-called attraction to communist doctrines was and is more a result of dissatisfaction with Kuomintang policies than a positive act of political or social faith. Under the guise of Sun Yat-sen idealism and through an appeal to nationalistic patriotism, an attempt is made to gain the adherence of Youth Corps members to the present Kuomintang political concept and policy of one-party government.
With reference to the statement that “the activities of the Youth Corps are being especially pushed in centers of learning”, it is a generally understood fact that the more ardent members of the Corps act as class-room informers for the Ministry of Education’s special intelligence service, reporting on professors as well as fellow students. It is encouraging to note Mr. Drumright’s observation that in Chengtu “there is little spontaneous enthusiasm among Chinese youth of the student type for the Youth Corps.” He adds significantly that “the majority who have joined have done so because of political expediency …”40
Respectfully yours,