893.00/15177
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 16.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of despatch No. 86 of October 9, 1943, from the Secretary on detail at Sian74 in regard to the centralization of military power in the Sian area under General Hu Tsung-nan, Deputy Commander of the 8th War Zone.
[Page 367]Summary. General Wen Chao-chi, formerly Director of the Sian office of the Military Affairs Commission, has succeeded General Yuan Pu as Garrison Commander of Sian, a change apparently brought about by General Hu Tsung-nan. General Hu, the most important military figure in the Sian area, has gradually centralized power in his hands to such an extent that General Hsiung Pin, Chairman of the Shensi Provincial Government, finds the civil administration of the province hampered by military interference, demands and exactions. The demands of General Hu’s armies for food and clothing have led to economic control and although Hu himself is said to be incorrupt his officers have engaged in malpractices in connection with taxation, conscription and bribery. There is doubt as to the wisdom of stationing certain armies and commanders in a given area over a period of years in view of the resulting evils which may endanger the future of the nation. End of summary.
Mr. Drumright’s observations in regard to the stationing of troops and commanders in the same area over a long period are echoed by other observers who have seen the growth of vested interests of various Chinese commanders in other sections of free China who in acquiring military, political and economic control over an area place themselves in a relatively independent position vis-à-vis the Central Government authorities in the event of any possible future internal trouble in the nation.
Respectfully yours,
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