Chen Gongbo Papers, 1925-2003, bulk 1930-1946
Collection context
- Creator:
- Chen, Gongbo, 1892-1946
- Abstract:
- This collection includes original correspondence, reproductions, printed materials, and biographical information relating Chinese nationalist politician Chen Gongbo (Chen Gong-Bo, Chen Kung-Po, Ch'en Kung-Po, 陳公博).
- Extent:
- 1 linear foot 2 manuscript boxes
- Language:
- English , Chinese .
- Scope and content:
-
The Chen Gongbo Papers include original correspondence, reproductions, printed materials, and biographical information, collected and organized by his son Kan Chen. The collection details his academic study at Columbia (1923-1924), his governmental work, and his detainment, trial, and execution. The latter includes letters written to Chiang Kai-chek while Chen Gongbo was awaiting trial and execution. More personal materials include the manuscript of his five volume memoir"Bitter Smile" poetry, and material relating to his wife.
- Biographical / historical:
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Chen Gongbo (Chen Gong-Bo, Chen Kung-Po, Ch'en Kung-Po, 陳公博) was born October 19, 1892 (sometimes incorrectly given as 1890). He studied at Peking National University, graduating in 1920. After a brief period as a journalist, he came to New York and studied at Columbia (1923-1924). His Master's degree thesis was titled "The Communist Movement in China." A Chinese politician with an extensive resumé both in and outside of government, Chen Gongbo was a founding member of the Chinese Communist Party, but left the CCP to join the leftist faction of the Kuomintang and became a close associate of Wang Jingwei and a vocal critic of Chiang Kai-shek from the mid-1920s onward. He served minister of industry (1932-35) and was a leader in the Japanese-sponsored government in Nanking (1940-1945), serving as the president of the Legislative Yuan, the Mayor of Shanghai, and the member of the Kuomintang Central Executive Committee. Even though Chen did not agree with the Peace Movement and opposed the Sino-Japanese Basic Relations Treaty, Wang's separation from the Kuomintang and establishment of the Nanjing Nationalist Government, Chen remained with Wang for both pragmatic and personal reasons. After Wang's death in Japan in 1944, Chen became the second and final premier and chairman of the Nationalist Government. In 1946, he was declared a hanjian (traitor to China) and executed by firing squad in June 1946.
For more information, see the Ch'en Kung-Po entry in the Biographical Dictionary of Republican China (New York:Columbia University Press, 1967)
Access and use
- Restrictions:
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This collection is located on-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
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Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Chen Gongbo Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu