After seven weeks' command over Chinese troops in and around Shanghai, Gen. Chang Chi-chung, Dean of the Central Military Academy, has been compelled to resign from his post owing to a breakdown in health. Gen. Chu Shao-liang, former Chairman of the Kansu Provincial Government, has succeeded him.
Effected after the consolidation of the new line of defence, the change is not considered of any significance in Chinese circles Gen. Chang has been transferred to Nanking, were he will head an important department of the Military Affairs Commission, which consists of the following four sections; Personnel, auditing supplies and general affairs. Although his responsibilities will be just as great, the duties being less onerous, it is felt that Gen. Chang will not be subjected to such strain.
'As Dean of the Central Military Academy, the cradle of the. modern Chinese army, Gen. Chang has seen thirteen - years' continuous service. During this period, he took part in the Northern Punitive Expedition in 1927, the campaign along the Lunghai line the following year, the Shanghai war in 1932, and the Punitive Expedition against Fukien in 1994.
Owing to ill health, he was granted leave which he spent in Tsingtao. From this port he was hurriedly recalled when his troops were rushed to Shanghai to cope with the tense situation which suddenly arose.
Although still convalescing from his illness, Gen. Chang took up his arduous duties immediately upon arrival The constant strain, however, told upon him. Finding that his failing health was unequal to the heavy task, Gen. Chang reluctantly tendered his resignation to the Central Government. Among others, he recommended Gen. Chu Shao-liang to succeed him.
A vereron army officer, Gen. Chu has seen active service in many parts of the country during hig lengthy career. Working his way up from tne rank of battalion commander, ko was attached to the Military Affairs Commission before his transfer to Shanghai.
Among the posts he has held are Commander-in-Chief of the Sixth Route Army, Chief Military Counseller of the Headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of Bandit-Suppression Forces in Honan, Hupeh and Anhwei, Chairman of the Kansu Provincial Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the Third Route Bandit-Suppression Forces.
Gen. Chu was born in Changchow, Kiangsu, in 1890 and has been an army officer for more than twenty years.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.