“I greatly value our friendship . . . . Faina and I hope that the New Year will be one of peace and contentment for you.”

Chiang Ching-kuo, 1910–1988.  Son of Chiang Kai-shek; 3rd President of the Republic of China, 1978–1988; 9th Premier of the Republic of China, 1972–1978; Minister of National Defense, 1965–1969.  Typed letter signed, Chiang Ching-kuo, one page, 8½” x 11”, on stationery of the Office of the Premier, Republic of China, no place [Taipei, Taiwan], December 31, 1975.

Chiang sends New Year’s greetings and best wishes to U.S. Army Maj. Harold Lindsey “Lin” Arison, Jr.  He writes, in full:  “I send my best wishes for a happy and fruitful New Year for you and your family.  /  I greatly value our friendship and hope that I might have the pleasure of seeing you again sometime during this coming year.  / Your kind Christmas remembrance was very much appreciated.  Faina and I hope that the New Year will be one of peace and contentment for you.  /  With best wishes.”

Arison was a former U.S. Army bandmaster who served on loan from the Army as the Military Music Advisor to Chiang’s father, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, who ruled Nationalist China until his death in 1975.  Chiang Kai-shek groomed Chiang Ching-kuo for some 30 years to take over leadership of Nationalist China.  Chiang Ching-kuo, who was Premier when he wrote this letter, later became President in 1978, a position that he held until his own death in 1988.

The Chiangs were close to Arison (1919–1998) and his wife, Mary Jane (1923–2004).  Lin Arison served on Taiwan from 1954 until he retired from the Army in 1963.  Chiang’s wife, Faina Chiang Fang-liang (1916–2004), a native of Belarus, met and married Chiang in 1935.

This is a nice example of Chiang’s signature, and the letter shows his delightful ease with English.  This letter comes directly from the Arison family and has not been offered on the autograph market before.  We are separately offering other letters by Chiang Ching-kuo and an archive of letters by Madame Chiang Kai-shek to the Arisons.  Click here and scroll down to see those listings.

Chiang has boldly signed this letter in blue ballpoint pen.  The letter has two horizontal mailing folds that do not affect the signature and shows scattered handling marks.  It is in fine condition.

Unframed.