Stature

Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek opened his first press interview since last December by shaking hands with the foreign newsmen. Then he relaxed in an armchair. Madame Chiang, in black jacket and maroon skirt, sat on his right; occasionally she helped affable Information Minister K. C. Wu with the interpreting. While tea was served, questions & answers were passed.

Were the Generalissimo and Madame planning to visit the U.S.? Yes, "as soon as the opportunity permits."

Would the Generalissimo be a candidate for President under the new constitution? "I have not thought of that as yet. When the power to govern is restored to the people, I will have completed my responsibility."

Speculation. This answer set newsmen's ears flapping. Was the Generalissimo hinting at retirement? No one thought it likely, but if he did not run for President, who might? A list of the possibilities showed how the Generalissimo still stood head & shoulders above all his rivals and colleagues in political stature:

P: Scholarly, liberal Dr. Sun Fo, 54, son of the great Sun Yat-sen and President of the Legislative Yuan.

P: Solid, sensible General Chang Chun, 58, Governor of Szechwan Province, Government representative in negotiations with the Communists over military unification, and a leader of the influential, progressive Political Science Group.

P: Able, Western-minded T. V. Soong, President of the Executive Yuan and the Generalissimo's brother-in-law.

P: Conservative, bespectacled General Ho Ying-chin, 57, Army commander in chief and dean of the powerful Whampoa Group, as the faculty and graduates of China's military academy are known.

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