The US Army Observer Group in Yan an (Part 2)  

cctv.com 09-20-2005 14:45

During World War Two, China and America were both fighting a common enemy. Long before the bombing of Pearl Harbour, Japan had begun its invasion of China, beginning in the Northeast. In China, the struggle to repel the invading forces is known as the War of Resistance Against Japanese Agression and both Nationalist and Communist forces were involved. However, the Nationalist government was more interested in fighting Communists. The American military soon lost patience with Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek and sent a mission to the Communist base in Yan鈥檃n. The CPC leaders welcomed them warmly, hoping that the mission might lead to America recognising them as a legitimate political party.

The situation in liberated areas was in sharp contrast to that in Nationalist controlled zones. Unlike the strictly hierarchical Nationalists, CPC leaders were close to the people and not afraid to help out with menial tasks. While the Nationalists abducted conscripts, people in the liberated areas were keen to join the 18th Group Army. On arriving in Yan鈥檃n, the Foreign Officers were struck by their friendly and relaxed reception. Even Japanese prisoners of war were won over by their attentive care.

The US observers had got off to a good start in Yan鈥檃n. They had easy access to CPC leaders while staying in Yan鈥檃n and their mission progressed smoothly. However, there was increasing pressure from outside. The American military鈥檚 contact with the Communist Party had already angered Chiang Kai-shek. His long-running conflict with General Stilwell, the commander of all American forces in China, threatened to boil over. In part three of our series, the US observer group is caught in the conflict between America鈥檚 military and diplomatic priorities. The result would influence relations between the United States and China for decades to come.

Editor:Liu  Source:CCTV.com