Volume XI – Number 1
Stanley J. Granat
Abstract:
The Feng-Yen War of 1930 against Chiang Kai-Shek’s government pitted regionalist factions against a central government that inspired no confidence. This article analyzes the importance of maritime tax collection and the role of foreigners in the politics and outcome of the war. A pivotal asset in the Feng-Yen War war was that of the Maritime Customs tax collection service, as the war exhausted the financial resources of both sides. Therefore, such assets became a pivotal piece in the complex political and military dynamics of the conflict. At the forefront was British expatriate Bertram Simpson, an author whose role leading maritime customs for Tianjin led to his embroilment in Chinese politics. Simpson used his leadership role to aid the regionalist factions against Chiang’s government. His actions led to staunch opposition, and Simpson was assassinated in Manchuria before negotiations took place to mitigate the conflict between Manchurian leaders and Chiang’s government. His assassination was ironic, given that a compromise was being reached while he remained hospitalized. Thus, positioning himself in a gamble that bet on the anti-Chiang forces winning the war, he attempted to salvage his losses when this outcome became unlikely by the time of his assassination. His anti-Chiang rhetoric resonated with other expatriates, and his pivotal role in Chinese politics led to Simpson acting as a pawn that ultimately led to his demise.
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