Chapter 39 Section 9 Nehru's visit to China and Chiang Kai-shek's visit to India

During the Anti-Japanese War, Nehru had always been very sympathetic to the plight of the Chinese people, and deeply admired the tenacious fighting spirit of the Chinese people.In his letter to Mao Zedong on July 11, 1939, he said: "If the international situation permits, I may visit China at the end of August and early September. If it is possible, I am very much looking forward to meeting you and personally expressing my respect to the soldiers of the Eighth Route Army On August 22, Nehru arrived in Kunming, and on the 23rd to Chongqing.The Kuomintang government and people from all walks of life in Chongqing welcomed this envoy of friendship very grandly as a state guest.Chiang Kai-shek and his wife hosted a banquet for him.In Chongqing, he met with senior officials of the Kuomintang and also met with senior cadres of the CCP stationed in Chongqing.Mao Zedong, the leader of the Communist Party of China, called Nehru on August 27, welcoming him to Yan'an and thanking him for his work in sending the Indian medical team to China.However, due to the outbreak of war in Europe, Nehru was urged to return home early, so he had to call back to express his regret.During his visit, Nehru wrote a "Memorandum on Enhancing Contacts between China and India", putting forward seven proposals for developing relations.With reference to these seven suggestions, the Kuomintang government put forward the "Outline of Sino-Indian Cooperation Measures" based on Chiang Kai-shek's opinion: exchange professors to give lectures; exchange students; exchange publications; exchange news; exchange surveys, visits and tour groups.Furthermore, specific measures were put forward: China organized a Buddhist delegation to India; sent experts to investigate India's industry and agriculture; organized a delegation to conduct scientific investigations in India; and sent representatives to attend the annual meeting of the National Congress.Later, these were implemented.

On February 9, 1942, Chiang Kai-shek and his wife arrived in New Delhi at the invitation of British and Indian Governor-General Lin Lizige for a friendly visit to India. People from all walks of life in India warmly welcomed Chiang Kai-shek and his party, and various newspapers and periodicals published articles expressing their welcome.Chiang Kai-shek spent most of his time in India meeting with friendly people and visiting.The important figures he met included Gandhi, Nehru, Muslim League Chairman Jinnah, women leaders Mrs. Pandit and Mrs. Naidu.Nehru met with Chiang Kai-shek three times and personally accompanied him to visit the international university founded by Tagore during his lifetime. On February 21, before returning to China, Chiang Kai-shek published the "Letter to the Indian People" to express his position.It said: "To this day, world peace has been threatened by barbaric aggression and violence. We, China and India not only have a stake in our interests, but also have the same fate. Therefore, our two nations can only be united, actively participate in the anti-aggression front, and stand side by side. Fight to achieve real peace in the world, and do our best to fulfill our duties." He also called on the British authorities to "immediately empower the Indian people with real political power."His statement caused dissatisfaction among the British, but the people of India were greatly encouraged.