EN, Chiang Kai-shek on Oct, 30 issued a message, thanking his compatriots at-home and abroad for their.presentation of aeroplanes to the Central Government in honour of his. fiftieth birthday anniversary.
In his message, according to" the Central 'News, the Generalissimo expressed gratification over the unprecedented' enthusiasm shown by the Chinese people in all parts of the country, and in every corner of the world, in raising funds for the strengthening of China's air force. Many of them, Gen. Chiang said, went so far as to economize on their food and clothing, or draw out all their savings to make possible their contributions.
As a private citizen, Gen: Chiang declared, he can_hardly agree to. the idea of celebrating his birthday anniversary in such an elaborate manner, but, as a member of the Central Government, he wishes to acknowledge the patriotic fervour of the Chinese people in their present act, and to accept the planes on behalf of the Central Government, In recognition of the people's confidence and support of him, he gives: a pledge that he will redouble his efforts in the task of national consolidation and rejuvenation.
The Generalissimo concluded his message by appealing to all amicers and men of the Air Force to take cognizance of the high hopes their countrymen entertain in them to carry otit the task of national salvation through the nation-wide presentation of planes, He also.exhorted them to do their utmost for the country, by utilizing the gift planes: as best they can to safeguard the independence and liberty of Chins The Generalissimo "supplemented this message. with a lengthy review on "Some Reflections on My Fittieth Birthday," which follows:
Having devoted m good portion of my life to the cause. of the Revolu tion, but before accomplishing one-hundredth part of the work T nvish to do for my country, T'find myself], at the age of fifty: "Educated and maintained by the State for. more that 80 years, I have, ever since manhood, enrolled myself in the army and dedicated myself to the cause of national revolution. uri years, what T ate, what T wore, and what' other things I" needed were derived' from the State; in' other words, from the sweat and all of the people. "My, debt to the country is. great Lideed® The hearty and inspiring spirit with which my compatriots, both at home and abroad, men.and women, old and young, have contributed toward the purchase of the aeroplanes! as a birthday present for the Government made me deeply conscious of the profound trust and great hopes that are reposed in me. Unworthy as Tam, it awes me even more to think that T should be the recipient ff such ani honour which I know not how to repay.
Memory, of Mother
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.