Toward Democracy

China took another momentous step toward democracy. In Chungking, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek opened the first session of the Preparatory Commission for Inauguration of Constitutional Government. He announced:

"The National Assembly to inaugurate constitutional government will be convened on Nov. 12 this year . . . subject to approval by the Kuomintang Congress which is due to meet in May.

"Upon the inauguration of constitutional government, all political parties will have legal status and enjoy equality. The Government has offered to give legal recognition to the Communist party as soon as the latter agrees to incorporate its army and local administration in the National Army and Government. . . .

"I am optimistic of national unification and the future of democratic government in our country. The torrent of public opinion demanding national unity and reconstruction is mounting ever stronger and will soon become an irresistible force."

The Main Problem. But the Generalissimo's optimism was tempered by his frank admission that "the Communist problem ... is the main problem to unity and constitutional government." He gave his Government's position in its bitter, dead locked negotiations with the Communists :

"The solution of the Communist question must be through political means. . . . The latest demand of the Communists is that the Government should forthwith liquidate the Kuomintang rule, and surrender all power to a coalition of various parties. The Government is ready to admit other parties, including the Communists ... to participate in the Government, without, however, relinquishment by the Kuomintang of its power of ultimate decision and final responsibility until the convocation of the National Assembly. . . .

"To meet any fear the Communists may have, the Government has expressed its willingness ... to place an American general in command of the Communist forces, under my overall command as supreme commander. . . . The Communists have, however, rejected all offers. . . .

"No one mindful of the future of our 450,000,000 people and conscious of standing at the bar of history, would wish to plunge the country into a civil war. The Government has shown its readiness and is always ready to confer with the Communists to bring about a real and lasting settlement with them. . . ."

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