Evening star., 1937-04-23

DOmDlng at Welnan ana HWahSlcn, 1t
had so exasperated the popular feel
| ing that my release could not be ef-
fected as planned. What could he do?
| he asked
The news bears out the strong de-
termination of the central govern
ment to suppress the rebellion, and,
like traveller who has just received
good tidings from his home, was
very glad
Why did Chang put the period from
four to seven days? Could they be
waiting for certain Developments
From Donald, who had just re-
turned from Loyang in the early aft
ernoon, I learned that central gov
ernment troops were on the move be-
tween Loyang and Sian. I feel re-
lieved, for the safety or danger of one
individuals life is not worth consider
ing when the future of the party, the
nation and the people is assured.
This evening, at Chang's request,
Chang Pai-li Zone time head of Pao-
ting Military Academy called on me.
Chang arrived at Sian just before the
trouble started and is being detained
at the Sian reception hotel. He said
conditions were changing for the bet
ter, but should the central troops as
sumo the offensive too hastily, an ugly
turn OF affairs might result. Even If
l were willing to sacrifice myself,
should, according to him, pity the peo-
pie Of the Northwest, who had already
suffered much at the hands Of the Com
munists, and must give in at certain
points for the preservation Of the
nation. He urged me over and over
again to write to the central military
authorities that would soon be out
of Shensi and that the punitive expedi-
ton should be instructed not to attack
and bombing must be stopped.
Not So Easy to Do.
I replied: This Is not so easy to
do. If, however, a definite date for
escorting me back to Nanking in the
very near future could be given, I
would of my own free will send written
instructions to the central military
authorities to suspend bombing for
three days, and in the circumstances
they might believe the instructions to
be genuine. The request for cessation
of hostilities must not come from
Chang. whose demand for seven days
grace is clearly nothing but trick to
temporiZe for time. Not only will the
central authorities have no faith in
1t, but I myself also cannot possibly
be fooled by it."
Chang remarked, on leaving, that
further discussion would be necessary
and a person must be chosen to be
the messenger. Soon after Chang
was gone Chang came in again. He
impaired the news that fighting be-
tween the central government troops
and Yang Hu-cheng's men had ac-
tually broken out at Hwahsien, and
If the former should push farther
on his soldiers would have no alterna-
tive but to retreat. His hidden threat
Of taking me with them to some other
locality in the word retreat" was not
lost upon me, but ignored it entirely.
December 17-Before noon today
Chang Pai-I came again at Chang's
request to ask me to write to the
central military authorities according
to what had said yesterday, ordering
postponement of the general assault
for three days. Gen. Chang Ming
san was to carry the letter by airplane
to Loyang.
promised to accede to the request
and, when Ming-san came I wrote q
letter in my own handwriting to Chin
chih Gen. Ho Yin-chng), asking
him to defer the bombing for three
days till Saturday, which I handed
to Ming-san.
In the afternoon Chang came and
said: There are too many compli-
cations, but anyway we will have
Ming-san deliver the note first and
discuss other matters later. Ming
san, by the way, Is already on his
way to Loyang."
I guess the attack must be rather
severe and Chang's remark about dis
cussing other matters later is q pre-
conceived excuse for putting off my
release. Sincerity and righteousness
have no place in the conduct Of rebels,
so can only let them do as they like.
Heart Is at Peace.
December ia week has elapsed
since the revolt, but, as I have de-
cided to disregard my personal safety,
my heart is at peace. I read the
writings of the philosopher Mo ii to
while away the time.
This evening Chang told me that
he was in receipt of telegraphic
communication from Nanking, stat
ing that T. v. IT. v. Soong) and Mo-
san Gen. Ku Chu-tung) both would
soon come to Sian. I had already
heard OF T. v. coming when Donald
telephoned to Nanking from Loyang,
and I surmised Chang must have sent
them an invitation in the first place.
Chang also said that in a telegram
Mo-san had expressed his willing
ness to bear the responsibility of ex-
planning their views to me, provided
that either Chang or Yang would meet
him in person at designated place
Chang said he had telegraphed back
to the effect that was most anxious
to have Mo-san come. This, however,
sets my mind at ease, for I know
from Mo-san's telegram that he
would not be deceived by Chang and
Yang and fall into their trap. If
he should also come to Sian, then
many of the central military leaders
of high rank would be caught in
net in this city of peril. No word has
been received of Ting-wen after his
arrival at the capital, and Chang ap-
pears quite worried. AS to myself,
feel assured Of the central authori-
ties determination and pray for
the early arrival of the central puni-
tive force at Sian.
Pain Grows Acute.
December 19-For the last few days
I have been suffering from pains in
the joints, but today my lower side
aches, and the pain is so acute that I
can hardly sit up. have, however,
finished reading Mo ii.
Today Is Saturday, marking the end