893.00/12–2044
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Chinese Affairs (Vincent)
There is summarized below a report of an interview given by Dr. Sun Fo, President of the Chinese Legislative Yuan and son of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, to correspondents of Time Incorporated. The report came to me through private channels with the comment that it would probably not be reproduced in Time:
“I believe that the Soviets do not want to see internal dissension in China. Russia wants to see the Kuomintang and Communists work together to form a democratic bloc …4 Both Kuomintang and Communists want an independent strong democratic China. If we emphasize (needed) changes that count and forget past differences, we can begin to trust one another. They (the Communists) are willing to participate in the government of China; they do not want to destroy it. They believe in orthodox Marxist theory (but) they know that China cannot attain Communism for a long time to come.
The Kuomintang should be trying to introduce democracy …4 there is no doubt that our people want democracy …4 If they’re given a chance to participate in public affairs, they respond. But if they are dictated to, maltreated, oppressed, and if they see corruption all around, they don’t give a damn, nor would I myself.”
Comment: I believe that Dr. Sun Fo errs in placing too much confidence in the devotion of Chinese Communists to a democratic coalition. However, the Kuomintang should, as he indicates, reach a settlement with the Communists and at the same time set about making democratic reforms. It is the failures of the Kuomintang that have strengthened the Communists in China.
I received recently the following statements by an influential Chinese friend in Chungking of proven liberal democratic convictions:
“The Communists are playing a waiting game …5 The longer they wait the stronger they become. It is doubted that the Communists genuinely want a coalition government. The liberal elements in the Kuomintang once desired a coalition with the Communists. But now many of them fear such a coalition. They say that the Communists talk about democracy. However, that will be only for the duration of the war. Later, these liberals feel, the Communists will reassert one-party rule.”