The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-02-04

Cu1Il6S - SO411C O1 G11C1l1 oCA IOGA devastating warfare but they is increasing relative to that of Japan.
 China's leaders have assured me that they do not fear break with Russia which would cut off Soviet aid. Nor do they believe a funda- mental o-Japanese rapproach- ment is likely. Other evidence seems to support their view of the situa- tion despite current difficulties be- tween the Kuomintang and the Chinese Communists.
 My tour made plain that China is beset with internal problems - mostly of an economic character but some of g. political nature. The same, however, can be said of Ja- pan, particularly in view (; the sweeping Japanese aspirations in the South Pacific at time when the war with China is still going on.
 Japan Faces Problems
 Japans problems and responsi- blities in her self-imposed task of recognizing Asia and the Pacific under the flag of the Rising Sun, daily appear more burGensome and more dangerous.
 On the military side China is now holding her own against Japan. The Japanese have made no terri torial gains in China in recent months and have withdrawn their forces in some areas.
 China, however, cannot expect to take the offensive without far greater aid from the United States than she has yet obtained or been promised.
 Experienced American observers expressed hope that Lachlin Currie, U. s. fiscal expert new on his way to Chungking, would be able to rec ommend comprehensive program of aid for China when he returns to Washington
 Cooperate with U. $.
 The highest Chinese officials with whom I spoke in Chungkirg indi- cated eagerneSS to cooperate with the United States in every way necessary to put American aid to the best use.
 It seems apparent that China is ready to accept not only American aid but American advice on the best means of utilizing credits and materials from the United States.
 The importance of such advice is emphasized by the internal crisis through which the Chungking gov- ernment has just passed.
 It was told that the tangible U. s. aid given Chiang Kai-Shek was his strongest weapon against the whisperirgs of peace advocates and in meeting such problems as infla- tion, commodity hcarding and even in dealing with the Chinese con- munist forces
 At one point, I learned. danger Of civil war between the Commun- ists and the government forces was narrowly averted However, it ap- pears that Chiang Kai-Shek's strong measures saved the situa- tion. at least for the time being.
 Russia has slackened her aid to | China in recent months but this to be due more to Rus.sias l own military requirements because of tn war in Europe than to any serious change in Russo Chinese relations.
 Chinese circles expressed complete with the help they are now getting from Russia. They seemed confident that Soviet aid will increase in the future. They asserted that they had no fear of | any Russo Japanese rapproach- | ment which would interfer with this aid. and Russian diplomats tended to confirm the Chinese view.
 American aid and British action in reopening the Burma road have hardened Chinese opinion against Japanese peace feelers.
 Traffic moves over the Burma road despite constant Japanese bombing attacks and the same Is true Of the other roads in the Chl- nese network.
 But the trafiic Is subject to de. lays and dangers. Last week Jap. aneSc bomberS succeeded again M wrecking both bridges over the Mekong river on the Burmn road. A foreigner who travelled the road from Lashio 10 Running reported that q serious congestion Of trucks resulted because only single ferry | oat was available as a Eubftitute tog the wrecked brIdgeA.
 But despite all handinaps the [ traiiic btill flewed along nc road, | and apparently wiii continue lo Go %.