Labour Monthly, August 1942
Source: Labour Monthly, August 1942, p. 255-256, book review by Ben Bradley;
Transcribed: by Ted Crawford.
China has unquestionably earned the undying gratitude of all democratic and anti-Fascist peoples throughout the world. The pamphlet by Arthur Clegg, published by the Communist Parry of Great Britain, is a tribute called forth by the strength, courage and resolution of the Chinese people, who not only held the Japanese aggressor in check for five years, but helped the British forces in a new front in Burma.
China’s resistance has entered now its sixth year and the history of this heroic stand has potent lessons for the people of this country. Arthur Clegg traces this history from the period prior to 1937, showing how National Unity was established. Two quotations given show the basis of this National Unity: –
“We need more national unity to increase our strength of resistance. A lasting and powerful unity must be based upon the welfare of the whole nation and all the people.” – (Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, October 10, 1941.)
“Unity in the ranks of the Chinese people is the starting-point for victory over Japan.... The Communist Party, which initiated it, will continue to strengthen this unity.” – (Mao Tse-tung, October 10, 1941.)
The National Front was formed of all parties, of all classes – of peasants, of workers, of capitalists, of landlords, and of all peoples of China. The Communist Party of China pledged whole-hearted co-operation with the Kuomingtang for national salvation. A People’s Political Council was set up by the Government representative of all parties and in this new form became the Supreme National Defence Council. This unity helped the Chinese peoples to overcome immense difficulties, and as Arthur Clegg says, “Half armed, they owe their victories to the strength, courage and resolution of the people....”
They built the 800 miles Burma Road, 1,600 miles of the Sinkiang Road and another 600 miles of the new road into India through Tibet. Guerrilla warfare is continuously carried on deep behind the Japanese lines. During all this period of fighting entirely new industries have been established, and a new China is being born out of the struggle.
The people of Britain owe a tremendous debt to China.
The pamphlet shows that the magnificent fight that China has put up has inspired all oppressed peoples, particularly India, and concludes with the following call: –
“We dare not ignore the voice and appeals of China about the treatment of Eastern peoples. We must give India the right to take her place proudly beside that of China as an equal in the ranks of the Allies. We must see that China gets the arms, the planes she needs. For when China gets the arms her mighty armies will bring the power of Imperial Japan toppling down. We pledge to China that we will learn from her sacrifices, determination and offensive spirit. We will smash Hitler in 1942.”
On June 22, remembering their heroism, their sacrifices, their daring titanic victories, we saluted, as we salute each day, our Soviet Allies.
On July 7, remembering their five-year long resistance, we salute, as we should each day, our Chinese Allies.
Together, drawing always nearer, let us to forward boldly, and yet more boldly, until victory is won.
BEN BRADLEY