893.001 Chiang Kai-shek/1–2249: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 22—3:58 p. m.]
195. Following Central News Agency’s English translation of text of President Chiang Kai-shek’s statement issued shortly before his departure from the capital this afternoon (January 21):
“Since I issued my New Year message urging the restoration of peace, the entire nation with one accord has echoed its unreserved support. However, although more than 2 weeks have now elapsed, warfare has not yet drawn to a close and the ultimate aim of achieving peace has not been realized. Consequently, an end to the people’s sufferings is still not in sight.
With the hope that the hostilities may be brought to an end and the people’s sufferings relieved, I have decided to retire. As from January the 21st, Vice-President Li Tsung-jen will exercise the duties and powers of the President in accordance with article 49 of the Constitution which provides that ‘in the event the President is for any reason unable to perform his functions, his duties and powers shall be exercised by the Vice-President’.
I hope the entire nation, including both the military and civilian populations, as well as the various Government departments and agencies, will unreservedly and with one heart support Vice-President Li in order that a lasting peace may be achieved.
I have devoted my entire life to the work of the people’s revolution, observing strictly the Three Principles of the People.37 From the 15th year of the Republic when we set out from Canton to the northern punitive expedition38 to the one when national unity was achieved,39 I never for a moment failed to consider it my sacred duty [Page 75] to implement the principle of nationalism, give effect to the principle of democracy and improve the livelihood of the people.
At the same time I have also always realized that it is absolutely necessary to secure peace for the country before a sound foundation can be laid for the improvement of the nation’s political and economic life. That is why for more than 20 years, while I was sometimes forced to resort to military measures in dealing with domestic affairs, I have always been prepared to make personal sacrifices and concessions. The only exception was the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, in which case I was determined to fight to the bitter end. This is a record well borne out by facts.
My earnest prayers will have been answered if the Communist Party henceforth comes to a full realization of the grave situation confronting the country, orders a cease-fire and agrees to commence peace talks with the Government. Thus the people will be spared their intense suffering, the spiritual and material resources of the nation preserved, and its territorial integrity and political sovereignty maintained. Thus, also, the continuity of the nation’s history, culture and social order will be perpetuated and the people’s livelihood and freedom safeguarded.”