Evening star., 1950-01-02
Question as to Who Is Leader
In Nationalist China Discussed


Recent events in the world, especially in
China. have caused us to realize that we
must help the Communist groups in
the Far East and the Chinese National Gov
ernment in particular which we still recog-
nize as the legitimate government Of China.
We are becoming aware that Taiwan For-
mosa) must be defended because of its recog-
nized strategical value to our own security.
Still, when those who in one way or an
other. formulate security directives are ap-
preached with respect to implementing such
a project, they repetitiously counter with the
question, who is the head of the Chinese
National Governments"
That there are some people both Chinese
and Americans, who are either for or against
Chang Kai-shek or Ii Tsung- jen is not
news. Yet the consequences of their self
centered vacillationS with regard to free
China have had a marked adverse effect
upon the security of both nations. Whether
they are followers of principals associated
with the golden mean" or approximation
to truth" is not of immediate Importance.
What is of vital Importance is this: There
are sufficient examples to show that these
officials and quasi-oficial advisers on policy
have used this stratagem to hold up or divert
the Presidents inclination to utilize the bal
ance of the China Aid Bill Approximately
$85, 900, 900 not yet spent) and also the SIS
900 appropriated by Congress in Octo-
ber, 1949.
Chinese Constitution Answers Question.
An objective study of the Chinese con-
stitution is important and pertinent to those
who find their concern for American security
in the Far East brushed aside by the tactics
of those obstructionists who raise this ques-
tion as calculated obstacle. Such study
may throw light upon the situation and in
dicate who is the head of the Chinese gov
ernment today. ...
Translating Article 40 of the Chinese con-
'stitution we have the following In the
case where the position Of the President
becomes vacant, the Vice President shall
assume Office until the term of the President
expires. If both the position of President
and Vice President become vacant, then the
President of the Executive Yuan shall as
sumo the rights and duties of the President
and in accordance with the stipulations of
Article 80 of the constitution call the Ma
tional Assembly into extraordinary session
for the purpose Of electing President and
Vice President to serve the remainder of
the unexpired terms of these two officers.
In case where the incumbents. President
and Vice President, are unable to assume
the responsibilities and discharge the duties
of their Office "a situation that now exists,
then the President of the Executive Yuan
shall assume all the duties of the President"
In January, 1949. President Chang Kai-
shek announced to his people, in fact to the
world, that, for the time being, he could
not continue to serve as President of China.
Then, in compliance with the constitution.
he asked Ii Tsung-j the Vice President.
to become the Acting President Of China
and to discharge all the duties Of the Presi-
dent Since the beginning of December,
Gen. Ii, China's Acting President, contracted
a serious Illness which made it imperative
that he come to this country for medical
treatment. At the Medical Center in New
York he has undergone an operation. and it
has been reported that his complete recov-
cry will take at least several months. Prior
to his departure from China, the Acting
President. in accordance with law. as set
forth in the Chinese constitution, turned
over his Office to Gen. Yen Shi-shan for the
discharge of the duties of the President
Legally and actually. Gen. Yen is the head
Of the Chinese National Government today.
Gen. Yen IN Able Leader.
Gen. Yen is recognized as one of the most
determined fighters against communism In
China. He has ample personal reminders
Of Communist tactics, which constantly