Chiang Kai-shek, a well-known leader of modern times, is often perceived as a cold, military strongman. However, a closer look at his diaries and the memoirs of his past guards reveals a plethora of heartwarming anecdotes that show his affectionate interactions with people and his thoughtful considerations. These stories are most evident during his favorite leisure activity, “car tours.”
The dog-chicken Incident
One such incident occurred during a car tour with his nephews Song Boxiong and Song Zhonghu. The boys, who had grown up in California, were visiting Taiwan for their summer vacation. During a countryside stroll, their German shepherd suddenly attacked and killed a chicken belonging to a local farmer. The boys immediately apologized to the farmer and offered a dollar bill as compensation.
On learning about the incident, Chiang Kai-shek apologized to the farmer and told his nephews: “I should be the one to compensate. Besides, a dollar can’t buy a chicken. Do you know how much chicken costs per pound?” He then instructed his guards to compensate the farmer at a price higher than the market rate.
Praying for rain
During another car tour to the Sun Moon Lake, Chiang Kai-shek noticed the severe drought conditions affecting the local farmers. He expressed deep concern and instructed his staff to monitor the soil conditions daily. He also kept inquiring about the weather forecasts. When he learned that the drought was unlikely to end soon, he prayed daily for rain. After about 10 days, Taiwan finally received rainfall, temporarily relieving the farmers’ stress.
Preserving nature and improving public infrastructure
Chiang Kai-shek was also known for his love for nature. He would often get upset if he noticed deforestation or over-cultivation. He always strived to preserve the natural beauty of forests and was even willing to move buildings several meters away to protect a single tree.
During his car tours, he would instruct his secretary to notify the relevant departments for improvement if he noticed dirty city areas or damaged public buildings. He often exited his car to interact with residents and understand their living conditions.
Supporting fishermen
On one occasion, Chiang Kai-shek and his wife admired the sunset near the Danshui. They came across some fishermen repairing their nets. He approached them, engaged in casual conversation, and inquired about their monthly income, the number of days they went to sea, and their hardships.
He appreciated their hard work after hearing about their unstable income and harsh working conditions. A few days later, the fishermen received new nets prepared and gifted by Chiang Kai-shek.
A man of simplicity
After WWII, General Motors handcrafted four luxury Cadillac limousines for the leaders of the four major allied countries, one of which was given to Chiang Kai-shek. Despite suggestions to replace his old car with a new one, he initially refused due to his frugality and sentimentality. However, the old car struggled to climb the steep hills near his residence, forcing him to agree to replace it with the more powerful American car.
When the Chinese community in the Philippine government heard about this, they pooled funds to gift him a specially designed 1955 Cadillac with mirrored windows and bulletproof features. However, after using it once, Chiang Kai-shek expressed his displeasure, stating: “Why do I need this kind of car? I don’t need any bulletproof protection or mirrored windows. Taiwan is my homeland.” He never used the car again, and it became a museum piece.
In closing
Chiang Kai-shek, with his power and position, could have easily arranged for a large number of military police to clear the way for him. However, he often asked his followers not to restrict people from approaching him and not to disrupt people’s lives. His simplicity and approachability were commendable, revealing a side of him that was not just a military strongman, but a leader with a heart.
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