Chapter 53 Section 4 Illegal Reinstatement

Chiang Kai-shek, the president of the Kuomintang, wields the power of life and death. Except for a few phoenixes and a few rare horns, all comrades in the party prostrate in fear and hope to inherit the wind.Even if they are rare, they have to rely on them, such as Hu Hanmin and Wang Jingwei rely on their senior status, such as Feng Yuxiang and Li Zongren rely on their military handles, and then they can say "no" and fight.Among these struggles, the one between Chiang Kai-shek and Li Zongren was the most dramatic and had the greatest influence on the Kuomintang.The sincere cooperation between Jiang and Li is not enough to stop the CCP from sweeping, but the struggle between Jiang and Li will undoubtedly give the CCP another hand in its sweep.

After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Chiang Kai-shek convened a national assembly to elect the president and vice president.It is easy for Chiang to be president, but he did not want Li Zongren to be vice president, and Li Zongren was elected, which made Jiang very unhappy. ", pp. 870-871) and so on.After Xu Bang (Huaihai) was defeated in the Battle of Huaihai, Chiang Kai-shek was forced to step down, and Li Zongren succeeded him according to law, but Chiang still manipulated him behind the scenes, not making him the official successor president but the "acting president".After the failure of the peace talks, Li Zongren wanted to deploy a war south of the Yangtze River, but Jiang kept holding back and privately ordered the main force of the military and economics to retreat to Taiwan in order to preserve his personal strength.Li Zongren was unable to command, and became an empty-headed acting president with a scapegoat. He had to go to the United States for medical treatment when he fell ill. These situations are stated in the "Memoirs of Li Zongren" without hesitation.Although Li's memoirs have their own opinions, the author is Tang Degang, a historian. After textual research, they have high credibility.

"Memoirs of Li Zongren" also mentioned that Chiang Kai-shek was illegally reinstated. As early as when the government moved to Guangzhou, "the generals of the Huangpu faction and the politicians in Mr. Jiang's pocket had already attempted to ask Mr. Jiang to be reinstated." The attempt was even superficial, and the newspapers controlled by CC and the Department of Political Science openly called Chiang the president.The most convenient way for Jiang to "reinstate" is of course Li Zongren to persuade him to join him, but how could Li be willing to "persuade him to join him"?Lee recalled:

The reason why I don't want to persuade him is not because I have any attachment to fame.I just think, first, Mr. Jiang is too deceitful.I advised him not to resign in discouragement, and I myself strongly expressed my reluctance to be president, which he forced me to do.During my tenure, he was manipulating behind the scenes everywhere, and transported the treasury gold and silver to Taipei without authorization.Let the enemy cross the river first, and then disintegrate the defenses of Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Guangxi.Now that the government has been relocated and the country is in ruins, it is too deceitful for him to try to "restore" and ignore the constitution.Furthermore, I think the collapse of the Chiang regime is mostly due to Mr. Jiang's playing with the state's reputation, his inability to rule, and his blind dictatorship.Now that the country is about to fall, he still does not realize it until he dies.Since the Constitution grants me the power of the presidency, I must not help the tyrant to do evil, and violate the Constitution by giving or receiving privately from a commoner.Although I know that it is useless for me to oppose it, and Jiang will definitely come back, but my principle of safeguarding the country's reputation cannot be compromised. (Page 993)

Chiang Kai-shek did not succeed in "restoring" in Chongqing, but after arriving in Taiwan, he was already a de facto dictator.However, for the sake of face and scruples about the attitude of the Americans, he did not dare to act rashly for a while, and still hoped for Li Zongren's cooperation.Juzheng's granddaughter Jumi provided us with several unpublished letters and telegrams from Li Zongren to Juzheng, which can make up for the deficiencies mentioned in "Memoirs".The full text of the first long letter is as follows: Mr. Juesheng Xun right: When I was ill, Cheng Ling's love came and came to teach me with my hands. There is nothing like comfort.Since my younger brother went abroad to treat stomach problems, unexpectedly, the southwestern half was swept by the red bandits, the whole world was shocked, and the people were sad and angry. Today, the national army hangs alone on the stage. Extremely deep, has repeatedly stated that it will not use military aid to Taiwan, and recently even publicly ridiculed it.Under such circumstances, the comrades in charge of our party should be vigilant against the peril of the country, stop acting emotionally, weigh the interests, and change the course, so as to restore the lost hearts of the people, so that allies can increase their confidence in me and be willing to help each other. Effective assistance during the ruling period, there is no hope, then counterattack the mainland, wipe out the red atmosphere, even more empty talk, that is, hoping to stick to Taiqiong, the situation will not last long, thinking about this, shuddering, anyone who has blood, loves the party and cares about the country, Forgive me.I received a call from the Overwatch Council a few days ago, and I seem to have misunderstood my brother, which is quite regrettable.Observe the sound behind his words, it has no effect, passers-by can know what the drunkard means.In the political undercurrent of our party for more than 20 years, this kind of phenomenon has not been uncommon, and it is not surprising.The country is full of connections, the people are struggling to survive, and the political situation is complicated, and the long-standing abuses are deep. Although you want to innovate and start with the people, there are many obstacles and obstacles. You are called the head of state, but you are actually a puppet. foot cloud?Every time I feel that the ants are incompetent and difficult to overcome the heavy responsibility, I plan to retire early to thank the people of the country, but I have no choice but to think twice.Since it is impossible to convene the National Congress to elect the president, it would be unconstitutional for the proxy to exceed the statutory period of three months.Or you can ask Chiang Kai-shek to return to his post, but I don’t know that the younger brother is acting as the president, not Jiang Gong himself. The country cannot yet be regarded as private property. Chiang Kai-shek first advocated constitution-making, and Anke himself is responsible for destroying the constitution. Why do you have the patience to trap your party in the creation of the law and destroy the law for the sake of personal comfort?A small number of comrades who advocate this kind of theory not only have no common sense of the constitution, but also deliberately distort the theory to confuse the audience.Mr. Mingda, do you take it for granted?Although my younger brother's wound has healed, his vitality is seriously injured and he still needs to recuperate for a period of time. He is now negotiating with the U.S. government and opposition on the anti-communist restoration plan.Although the United States is dissatisfied with the current measures of our government, it has not given up on China under its anti-Soviet policy.The paper is short and the love is long, and the pen is difficult to express the meaning. My prayers will not be far away, and I will give you advice when I am wrong.

Li Zongren worshiped on February 6 This letter is only signed on February 6th.Li Zongren flew from Hong Kong to New York for medical treatment on December 8th of the 38th year of the Republic of China (1949). This letter should have been written on February 6th of 1950.The gist of the letter was obviously aimed at Taipei's oppression of "letting the virtuous", so there was a saying "why do you miss the foot of power and position", but he opposed Chiang Kai-shek's reinstatement, calling it restoration, and he could not privately share the country's famous equipment. Granted, insisted on his constitutional position.At that time, Juzheng was still a "supervisory member" in Taipei, and he knew Li Zongren well.Li Chi's residence is also the "censure" of the Overwatch Council.In short, although Chiang Kai-shek has real power, Li Zongren still has a famous weapon, and he will not give up.

Of course, this long letter was not just for Ju Zheng to read. Chiang Kai-shek must have known the content of this letter.However, the Taipei authorities still did not give up. They mobilized Li Zongren's old department in Taiwan, Bai Chongxi, Li Jingxian and others, and repeatedly urged Acting President Li to return to Taiwan. Call the Secretary-General Qiu Changwei of the "Presidential Palace" in Taipei.The telegram is: dense.Recently, brothers Jiansheng, Heling, Xucang, Xuchu, and Ren Fu have repeatedly appealed to Ren by telegrams. Ren believes that his illness has not yet recovered (healed), and the doctor ordered him not to travel long distances. He has no attachment to his personal status, but must take reasonable and legal channels In order to avoid the blame of violating the constitution, the state affairs are at this point, and it is possible to regenerate side effects, expose its weaknesses, and quicken the enemy?Ren has asked Kong Yong's brother to convey this intention to the Taiwan side on a clever day. I hope that my brother will contact all parties and quickly find a method that is justified by the constitution. Ren can adopt it. It is announced that both China and foreign countries will be harmed by the country and personal friendship, Zong Renyi. (original)

In fact, at this time Li Zongren's illness had largely recovered, so he might not be able to take a long-distance trip, but he knew Jiang's intentions, so he would not rush back to Taiwan. He made it very clear in "Memoirs": Under such circumstances, if I rashly return to Taiwan, I will fall into a trap and let him manipulate me. Jiang's first move must be to force me to "persuade me to come in." , it is hard to predict.Given the depth of Mr. Jiang's hatred for me in the past, once I lose my freedom, I am afraid that I will not be able to become Zhang Hanqing's (Xueliang) second.Personal sacrifices are not worth it.But how does it help the country and the people? (page 1003)

Li Zongren was not fooled, but he still reiterated his position of not being in love with others and not violating the constitution.Knowing that Li Zongren was unshakable, Chiang Kai-shek reinstated his post in Taipei on March 1 regardless of everything.After the reinstatement, there should be only "President Jiang" and no "President Li", but American President Truman still received Li Zongren with the presidential ceremony.Gu Weijun, the "ambassador" of the national government in the United States, accepted Jiang's will and tried to introduce Li as the "Vice President", which was denied by the US State Department. Truman also said to reporters: "I invite him (Li) as President, so I should call him President." (See the same book, p. 1009) This is the U.S. government deliberately embarrassing Chiang Kai-shek and expressing a sigh of relief for Li Zongren.On March 2, Truman invited Li Zongren to a luncheon, and Li sent a telegram from New York to the Taipei Presidential Palace, especially happy to talk about it:

Brother Changwei of the Taipei Presidential Office Zhuanjuesheng, Youren, Baichuan, Jingzhi, Yuejun, Liqing, Liangchou, Cixiu, Liuxian, Tiecheng, Mosan, Zhirou, Yongqing, Lanyou, and Yanzhu brothers .dense.When Ren arrived in Washington yesterday, Ambassador Gu had received an order from Taiwan to notify the State Council to represent Mr. Jiang in the name of the vice president. The Secretary of State and the Minister of Defense talked happily and toasted each other.All three called Ren President Li Da.After the meal, Du talked with Ren alone, but Gu was not allowed to participate, and it was not convenient to tell the content in a letter or telegram.special news.Zongren, Jiang. (original)

The telegram repeatedly stated that the U.S. government was commensurate with the president, so as to ignore Chiang’s reinstatement. Of course, it was not only for those senior members of the Kuomintang, but also for Jiang.This move can be said to be Li Zongren's final counterattack against Chiang Kai-shek's repeated tricks, in order to prove that the reinstatement is illegal, a "pre-going glance"? Truman's actions in this way can also show his deep hatred for Chiang.However, due to anti-communism and the Cold War, the United States eventually had to dance with wolves, and American aid continued to be sent to Taiwan under the dictatorship of Chiang Kai-shek. Four years later, on March 10, 1954, Chiang Kai-shek used the sixth meeting of the second session of the National Assembly in Taiwan to discuss the "Impeachment of Vice President Li Zongren's illegal dereliction of duty case" by the Supervisory Yuan. By a vote of eighty-three, he was dismissed.However, "If you don't leave the master everywhere, you will go to the Eight Routes."He finally answered everything he didn't bother to answer with the action of returning to the mainland.In fact, he has already succeeded the "Vice President" as the "President", and he has not returned to the position of "Vice President" by himself. Removing the "Vice President" who no longer exists is just another drama. The Kuomintang propaganda said that after Chiang Kai-shek stepped down on January 21, 1949, Vice President Li Zongren was only the acting president, not the president. After stepping down, he is already a civilian.Now that he has become a "member of the nation", it is naturally untenable to say that he will be the president again if he does not follow the procedures stipulated in the "Constitution of the Republic of China".Because Chiang Kai-shek's resignation is clearly the case of the "absence of the president" in Article 49 of the Constitution of the Republic of China. Even if Li Zongren constitutes an "absence" in the United States, "the Executive Yuan shall act on his behalf" according to the law, and then "according to the present Article 30 of the Constitution stipulates that an interim meeting of the National Assembly be convened to elect the president and vice president." Since the Constitution stipulates this, and since "the Executive Yuan is acting on his behalf" (the Executive Yuan is Yan Xishan), Chiang Kai-shek reinstatement is unconstitutional. On March 1, 1950, Chiang Kai-shek said in the "Resume Notice": "President Li has been ill since last November due to overwork and went abroad for recuperation. His health has not recovered so far, and he has no time to return. Therefore, all soldiers and civilians Concerned about state affairs, public opinion organizations at all levels place particular responsibilities on Zhongzheng. Zhongzheng has been involved in the revolution for more than 40 years. During this period, there is no possibility of shirking responsibility. On March 1st, we will resume our duties and continue to exercise the power of the president." 5) As a matter of fact, Li Zongren had an operation to cut his duodenum and had inflammation. In January 1950, his health had largely recovered.He was able to visit the White House the day after Chiang Kai-shek's reinstatement, which fully proves that the so-called "unhealthy and indefinite return" theory cannot be established.Sam Mengwu said in "New Theory of the Chinese Constitution": "Professor Lin Jidong analyzed Article 49 into four occasions: 1. The absence of the president; 2. The absence of both the president and the vice president; Fourth, both the president and the vice president are unable to take action for some reason. Absence refers to resignation or dismissal due to death, etc., and they are no longer able to exercise their powers during their term of office. They cannot be seen as sick or going abroad, etc., temporarily unable to exercise their powers.” At that time, Li Zongren really met the president's condition of "not being able to see things".According to the "Constitution of the Republic of China", if the situation of "cannot be considered" continues, the Executive Yuan should "exercise its powers" and then the President of the Legislative Yuan should convene an interim meeting of the National Assembly within three months (Article 51). , By-election of the President and Vice President (Article 30, Paragraph 1, Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2), to make up for the unexpired term of the original President, there is absolutely no reason for Chiang Kai-shek, a "national part", to suddenly return to office. People of insight at home and abroad clearly believe that Li Zongren is the president, and there is no lack of evidence.Li Ao kept the original copy of Hu Shi's letter to Li Zongren dated December 7, 1949. On the envelope it was written "H.E. The President of China" (H.E. The President of China). A lesson from President De Gong.”The original text is: President De Gong bestowed a lesson: I am very sorry for not being able to meet you at the airport this afternoon due to my appointment.Yesterday, I asked Brother Guo Fuchu (who is still living in the hospital where the residence is located, No. 1154) to convey my apology, and I think I have reached my respect.I saw my friend Mrs. Herdman, she said that the hospital specially invited her to take care of my father-in-law's initial care in the hospital. I am very happy to entrust her with a text message, welcome my father-in-law and his wife to go with you, and wish my father-in-law a speedy recovery. Mrs. Hedman, who has nursed me for seventy-seven days, is the most mature and discreet person, and can be completely trusted.The doctor who presided over the diagnosis, Mr. Melanie, is also an old friend of mine. He is most sympathetic to China and can be completely trusted.Congratulations hastily safe Hu Shijing on December 7, the thirty-eighth year Tomorrow afternoon, I will go to Meijing, and I will give a speech there tomorrow night. I can return to New York in two or three days. Our telephone number is Bu-8-5199 Appropriate to attach Li Ao also hid a business card given to Li Zongren by Hu Shishishi, the original text is: President De Gong bestowed a lesson: I'm flying here tomorrow, but I have an appointment, so I can't meet you at the airport. I'm very sorry.Respectfully leave the word to wait for Da'an. Sincerely, Hu Shi In these documents, it can be seen that Li Zongren is an out-and-out "president" and "President Li" in the eyes of Hu Shi, a man of insight, not a "vice president" or "acting president".Chiang Kai-shek's illegal reinstatement is an indisputable historical fact.