World War II-dated TLS signed “Mayling Soong Chiang,” one page, 7.5 x 10.75, Headquarters of the Generalissimo letterhead, January 18, 1940. Addressed from Chungking, Szechwan, a letter to Rev. George S. Bell, a Canadian missionary in China, in full: “I have just received your letter of January 4 as I have been away on an inspection trip. I have consulted Reverend Endicott regarding its contents because, while the New Life Movement would like to have Reverend Endicott remain with us, I did not know what his personal desires were. I have learned from him that he is perfectly willing to continue to assist us. Would it be possible, therefore, for your Mission to continue to allocate Reverend Endicott to us?
I know that the English Department of the West China Union University is in need of his services. I venture to suggest, however, that as the New Life Movement has a wider scope, perhaps, than any one institution of learning, I believe that Reverend Endicott would find wider fields of activity for his talents in our work than in merely teaching English. For the past year Reverend Endicott has been most helpful and co-operative. Both in the men's and the women's departments he has contributed valuable service. I wish to take this opportunity, therefore, to express my appreciation to your Mission for allocating him to us, and hope that it will be possible for you to continue to do so.” In fine condition, with a couple of small stains.
James Gareth Endicott (1898–1993) was a Canadian Christian minister, missionary, and socialist. As a missionary in China, Endicott taught English and became a professor of English and Ethics at West China Union University. He became social advisor to Chiang Kai-shek and political advisor to his New Life Movement, which sought to blend Chinese moral values found in Confucianism along with some Christianity and had a heavy nationalist influence. Initially a supporter of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, he once compared Chiang to Abraham Lincoln and described Madame Chiang as a combination of Helen of Troy, Florence Nightingale, and Joan of Arc. However, Endicott later distanced himself from the Chiangs after witnessing the ill-treatment of Chinese troops and the Kuomintang's corruption. This led to his befriending of Zhou Enlai and his support of the Chinese Communist Party.
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