893.00/15391
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Chief of the Division of Chinese Affairs (Vincent)37
Mr. Chang38 invited me to lunch alone with him. We had some two hours of discussion of Chinese problems. Significant in Mr. Chang’s conversation was his comment that he had recently, on the basis of his observations in this country, been able to reinforce in letters to Chiang Kai-shek advice given prior to his departure from China with respect to more speedy adoption of democratic forms and measures in China. He had advised Chiang to proceed with plans for the adoption of a constitution prior to conclusion of the war. He had emphasized to Chiang the importance of adopting a more tolerant attitude toward dissident political elements in the country. He had urged institution of a competent civil service independent of Kuomintang control. He had advocated relaxation of censorship.
In his talk with me he stressed the vital importance of the exercise of “toleration” on the part of the Kuomintang. I commented that the Kuomintang, in its passion for “unification” had probably confused the ideal of geographical unification under one government with political unification tolerating no opposition. Following along this line of thought we discussed post-war political problems, agreeing that the years immediately following peace would be extremely critical for the Chinese Government; more critical, in fact, than these [Page 418] years of resistance, Mr. Chang stated that, in advocating the institution of a constitutional order before the end of the war, he had in mind the critical period which would immediately follow peace. He said that the reinstitution of government control in areas now occupied by the Japanese would be greatly facilitated, as would also solution of the social problems inherent in present and post-war relations between the Kuomintang and oppositional groups, represented at present chiefly by the Communists, under a constitutional government.
Mr. Chang had some comments to make upon Chinese economic reconstruction and anticipated American assistance therein which evidenced that he had gained considerable knowledge of the American potential in this respect during his stay of something less than a year in the United States. He was unsympathetic with what appeared to be Chinese Government fears of exploitation by American capital and with Government measures to meet the situation. Having taken care to prevent any interference in the political life of China by foreign capital, he considered it advisable that the Chinese Government make conditions for the investment of foreign capital as inviting as possible. He mentioned the fundamental importance of agricultural reconstruction, as contrasted with industrial reconstruction, in any plans for economic reconstruction in China. He felt that the development of industry would follow as a natural sequence from a development of agricultural productivity provided transportation facilities were adequately improved and a sound currency maintained.
- Substance of this conversation was reported to the Ambassador in China in Department’s telegram No. 672, May 18, 5 p.m.↩
- Chang Kia-ngau, formerly Chinese Minister of Communications and Chairman of the Board of the Bank of China, sent to the United States by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to make investigations connected with Chinese economic reconstruction.↩