Evening star., 1937-09-13
D|LEMMAOF REDS
NFRONTSCH|ANC
Chinese Victory Would Put
Hated Communists in
Forefront.
BY DEWITT MACKENZIE,
Associated Press STAFF Writer.

Associated Press STAFF Writer
NEW YORK, September 13.-The
bloody warfare between Japan and
China, no matter what its trend, pre-
sages another possible violent change
IN the history of the storm tossed Chi
nese.
II the Japanese win they will as
sumo suzerainty $50 claim the Chinese)
over the rich eastern seaboard of
China. That Is, the invaders will link
this territory to Japanese controlled
Manchukuo and extend the Mikado's
empire by just that much.
II the Chinese are victorious, it will
be with Communist aid, and the land
OF the dragon throne may go red, to
join with the Union of Socialist So
Wet Republics.
Chang Faces Dilemma.
Thus China's warrior dictator.
Chang Kai-shek. who is bitterly op-
posed to communism, is faced with
dilemma that will call upon all his
great genius for solution. Chang has
made himself a world figure, but the
present situation demands the wisdom
Of Solomon.
Maybe Chang has that wisdom
During the 10 years of his rise to su-
preme power he has hoed very neat
row for himself His sagacity-of the
horse-sense variety-has placed him
In the front rank of dictators.
Moreover, he has had, and will
have in the present crisis, the help of
one of the most brilliant women of her
time-his American-educated wife.
Communistic Aspect.
The communistic aspect of. the po-
Bition is a comparatively new develop
ment. Here is the way the matter
stands.
When Chang Kai-shek came into
power large portions of China were
overrun with independent armies,
which were variously characterized as
bandits and as Communists. Chiang's
government labeled them Communists.
In any event, these armies were
made up largely of primitive men who
lived by the sword. They were the
type who feared no man and laughed
through their strong white teeth as
they killed. Generally as they moved
across the country they left trail of
crimson death and ashes.
Chang Kai-shek decided that for
the welfare of China he must destroy
these wandering hordes. To this task
he applied himself with such vigor
that by the end of last year he had
the Reds on the run in the wilds.
Reds Linked to kidnapping.
Then in December came his sensa-
tional kidnapping by one of his SUBJ
ordinates-Gen Chang Hsueh-liang.
Long afterward it was reported in
high quarters that Communists had
q hand in the affair, and that one of
the conditions of Chiang's release was
that he cease warfare against the
Reds.
Chiang Kai-shek has remained
client on this point-but the campaign
against the Communists ceased. The
Japanese claim this was not mere CO.
incidence.
NOW We suddenly have the startling
spectacle of the Communist armies
rushing to the aid of their once great
est enemy-Dictator Chang.
Also, 1t is stated in well-informed
quarters that large quantities of mill
tary supplies are being sent to the
Chinese from Soviet territory. These
shipments are quite unoficial and
theoretically. at least, Moscow has no
knowledge Of them.
Stronger Position Looms.
The corollary to this would seem to
be that the Communists bid fair to
se-establish themselves stronger than
ever before. How Chang will handle
the situation after the conclusion of
the Sino-Japanese hostilities Gf there
Is conclusion in his time) probably
not even that long-headed individual
knows. Maybe clever Madam Chang
has a notion.
With the development of this sit
uation, Adolf Hitler has reaffirmed
the friendship Of Germany for Japan.
and the solidarity of the two countries
against communism. Mussolini, too.
Is reported to be playing with the idea
Of joining in the Germanic- japanese
alliance. All of which is by way of
advising Russia to leave the Sino-
Jana neSp war alone