"We Must Help Ourselves"

The high, earnest voice rang with new confidence. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek was sure that his Government, having survived the war itself, would overcome "the ravages, dislocations and internal disturbances" of the war's aftermath.

Before a Supreme Economic Council, charged with promoting China's reconstruction, the Generalissimo struck a significant, realistic note. He called upon his councilors to lean primarily upon China's own resources for China's revival. "Our problems cannot be entirely solved by aid from other nations. We must help ourselves. Our entire national future hinges on our ability to tap within ourselves the forces of constructive energy which are the key to the greatness of any people."

Then the Generalissimo again dedicated himself to China's unity. "There are some people . . . who have gone so far as to interfere violently with the efforts of the National Government to establish order. . . . The Government is acting to correct this situation. We shall spare no effort to bring internal order and security to the nation."

Assurances. The Generalissimo had solid reason for this firm attitude toward the Chinese Communist rebellion. His armies pushed steadily into Manchuria against light Communist opposition. Even more spectacular was a double triumph for the Generalissimo's diplomacy. From Washington came assurances of U.S. cooperation in his Government's drive for internal order and security. From Moscow came assurances of Russian cooperation in his Government's return to Manchuria.

The new Sino-Soviet accord called for a month's delay (from Dec. 3 to Jan. 3) in the Red Army's withdrawal from Manchuria. The Russians would bar Chinese Communists from Mukden and Changchun, hold airfields open for Chiang's forces.

Persistent rumors said that Moscow had exacted a price (i.e., joint Sino-Soviet control of Manchurian mines and other enterprises). In any case, the National Government may have felt a price worthwhile. It had already agreed to give Russia railway, naval and trade rights in Manchuria--though the Moscow press last week sneered at "impetuous American imperialists" (presumably ex-Ambassador Patrick J. Hurley was one).

In Chungking, Chang Kia-ngau, close adviser to the Generalissimo and his chief economic expert at the Changchun negotiations, announced: "The taking over of the Northeast will proceed smoothly. Russian authorities have expressed their willingness to extend help."

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