New York, Feb. 6.
Mr. T. V. Soong, head of the Bank of China, yesterday told Mr, Edgar Mowrer of the "Chicago News" that contrary to current American opinion the "unfortunate" friction between Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and Chinese Communists would not develop into a civil war.
The "New York Post," which published the copyright interview obtained by the "Chicago News" correspondent, said Mr. Soong declared that the friction would not lead to an open civil war "so long as the war against Japan goes on—which means until China has won."
Mr. Soong, who has been in the United States for several months as Chunckings special but unofficial representative, today was reported ill, The Chinese Embassy in Washington announced that he was confined to bed with grippe, but added that his illness was not serious, The Chinese financial expert according to the copyright interview, admitted that there was a likelihood of continued friction between Chunging and the Chinese Communists.
He pointed out that for a decade prior to the Sino-Japanese war, the Communists and the Kuomintang Farty fought. He denied, however that a showdown between the two parties sooner or later was inevitable.
"After our victory over Japan you may see the Chinese Communists become the radical wing of a liberal government," Mr. Soong said, according to the interview, Mr. Soong was quoted as saying that he did not believe that at present there were more than 250,000 Chinese Communist soldiers, or an estimated five or ten per cent. of the total of the Chinese Army. "That's a generous figure," he was reported to have said Asked by Mr. Mowrer why Gen. "luang continues to receive Soviet Support in view of the friction. Mr. Soong was quoted as replying, "Because Moscow recognizes that Gen. Chiang controls the bulk of the Chinese fighting forces and is the only ving man who can lead the country the national resistance."
He pointed out that Chinese Communis: leaders have reaffirmed their support of Gri. Chiang.—United Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.