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Since the beginning of hostilities, the policy of the Government had always been that it was necessary to reconstruct the West of China, in order to make it the base for the consol- idation of material strength. "During five years", said the General, "the policy followed has been in the conviction that, when the Japanese forces have embroiled themselves in the regions west of the Peiping-Hankow, Canton-Hankow routes, and gravely handicapped their fighting strength, the whole Chinese nation would be mobilised to fight a decisive battle.
"The progress of the war in the course of last year has proved that the war develops in favour of the Chinese, as China predicted. The plans of defence at the seat of the two rail- ways are very powerful. Thanks to National Unity, solidly cemented, and to the courageous efforts of each citizen, the military plans are followed and the political organs function successfully in the regions under the Japanese control. However, it cannot be denied that China is faced with tremendous diffi- culties, because of the fact that Japan has put all its energies into the invasion.
"But, if the will of China remains firm, if its people are ready to bear new sufferings and new sacrifices, the Chinese plan, which is to break the power of Japan west of the rail routes, will be realised in the near future."
The message of Chiang Kai-shek received the official support of the people in the form of a Resolution adopted unanimously by the People's Political Council on November 2nd. The Resolution guaranteed unflinching support for Chiang Kai-shek and for the Government's policy of a prolonged resistance. When put to the vote, the Councillors, representing all political parties as well as Chinese communities overseas, rose as one man and applauded vigorously.
The Council also adopted other Resoultions. Among them was that of the Communist Councillor, Chen-Shao-Yu, supporting Chiang Kai-shek and demanding the strengthening of unity and determination to continue a war of resistance until the final victory. Another presented by an overseas delegate, proposed that no public officials should be permitted even to suggest peace conversations until the Japanese forces had been com- pletely withdrawn from Chinese soil. A third proposed that the Council should publish a Manifesto assuring Chiang Kai shek of their wholehearted support, and asked the people to redouble their efforts for a prolonged resistance.
The Council also voted a message of gratitude to the Chinese troops on all fronts for their courage and heroism during the last 15 months in the struggle against Japanese aggression. The fight had been bravely carried on in spite of the inferior equipment of the Chinese.
All the members of the Council observed three minutes' silence in memory of the officers and men fallen in battle.
(Agence Chekiai)
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