Evening star., 1942-02-07
Roosevelt Praises
Chinese War Effort
In Message on Loan
Note to Chang Koi-shek
Follows Swift Action
Extending Half Billion

Describing the resolute defense OF
the Chinese people as an inspiration
to all the United Nations, President
Roosevelt today informed General
issimo Chang Kai-shek of the
unanimous action of Congress in
providing a $500, O,0O0, 900 loan to the
Chinese government.
In q message, the President also
paid particular tribute to the Chi
nese people for their willingness In
applying the "scorched earth" policy
to prevent the predatory armies OF
Japan from reaping any benefits
during the early years Of their con-
quest Of Chinese territory.
The American loan, Mr.. Roosevelt
told the Chinese generalissimo, now
the supreme commander of all the
forces of the United Nations in the
China war theater, will contribute
substantially toward meeting the
economic and financial burdens of
his people.
Source Of Satisfaction.
ut Is a source of great gratifica-
ton to me-" the President said, land
to the Government and people Of the
United States that the proposal
which I made to the Congress that
there be authorized for the purpose
of rendering financial aid to China
in the sum of $500 600 900 was passed
unanimously by both the Senate and
the House Of Representatives and
has now become law.
"The unusual speed and unanim-
ity with which this measure was
acted upon by the Congress and
the enthusiastic support which it
received throughout the United
States testify to the wholehearted
respect and admiration which the
Government and people Of this
country have for China. They tes-
tify also to our earnest desire and
determination to be concretely help
full to our partners in the great
battle for freedom.
'The gallant resistance Of the
Chinese armies against the ruth
less invaders Of your country has
called forth the highest praise from
the American and all other free
dom-loving peoples. The tenacity
Of the Chinese people, both armed
and unarmed, in the face of tre-
mendous odds in carrying on for
almost five years a resolute defense
against an enemy far superior in
equipment is an inspiration to fight
ing men and all the peoples of the
other United Nations. The great
sacrifices Of the Chinese people in
destroying the fruits of their toll so
that they could not be used by the
predatory armies of Japan exemplify
in high degree the spirit of sacrifice
which is necessary on the part of
all to gain the victory toward which
we are confidently striving.
Holds Loan of Wide Benefit.
ut is my hope and belief that use
which will be made OF the funds
now authorized by the Congress of
the United States will contribute
substantially toward facilitating the
efforts Of the Chinese government
and people to meet the economic
and financial burdens which have
been thrust upon them by an armed
invasion and toward solution OF
problems of production and procure
ment, which are essential for the
success of their armed resistance to
what are now our common enemies.
Il send my personal greetings and
best wishes. I extend to you across
land and sea the hand of comrade-
ship for the common good, the COM
mon goal, the common victory that
shall be ours"