H. H. Kung papers, 1936-1958, bulk 1936-1944

Collection context

Creator:
Kung, H. H. (Hsiang-hsi), 1880-1967
Abstract:
The H. H. Kung papers document Dr. Kung's political career from 1936 to 1944. The bulk of the papers consist of correspondence and political documents during the time when he was serving as the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank of China, and the Vice Premier of the Executive Yuan. Materials in the collection include correspondence, writings, speeches, documents, reports, and telegrams relating to the Xi'an Incident, Sino-Japanese War, financial situation in China during the war year, his involvement in foreign diplomacy, Executive Yuan, the KMT Central committee, etc.
Extent:
0.4 Linear Feet 1 manuscript box (10 microfilm reels); 1 half manuscript box
Language:
Chinese , English .
Scope and content:

The H. H. Kung papers contain an estimate of 21 items in paper format and 10 reels of microfilms in 2 manuscript boxes consist of correspondence, political documents, and chronological event records. The items in paper format consist of correspondence, reports, poems, documents related to various topics such as the Xi'an Incident, agricultural development in China, Sino-Japanese War, loan agreements, and financial matters, etc. Materials in microfilm are correspondence and files relating to the Xi'an Incident, documents on foreign diplomacy, Executive Yuan, KMT Central Standing Committee meeting and plenums, intelligence reports, correspondence and documents relating to the developments in some province such as Fujian, Jiangxi, Anhui, Gansu, Qinghai, and Ningxia. There are also seven reels of chronological records of events prepared by the Ministry of Finance documenting the events of H. H. Kung when he was the Premier and the Vice Premier of the Executive Yuan during the Sino-Japanese War, dating from 1938 to 1943.

Biographical / historical:

H. H. Kung (pinyin: Kong, Xiangxi; Wade-Giles: Kung, Hsiang-hsi, Kung, H. H.; Chinese: 孔祥熙; courtesy name: Yongzhi, 庸之) was born in Shanxi province, 1881. He was a banker and a politician in the early 20th century. He received his B.A from Oberlin College in 1906 and his master's degree in economics from Yale University in 1907. After returning to China, he supported Yan Xishan (閻錫山) to overthrow the Qing imperial government in Shanxi. He married Soong Ailing in 1914. In 1928, he served as the Minister of Industry and Commerce and then later elected to the KMT Central Executive Committee and served from 1929 to 1932. He later served as the commissioner to Europe and assigned to secure foreign aid for China. After returning to China in 1933, he served as the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank of China, and the Vice Premier (and Premier from 1938 to 1939) of the Executive Yuan until 1945. In 1944, he resigned from his positions. He later moved to New York in 1948, where he resided till his death in 1967.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located on site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions 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); H.H. Kung papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
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