To Chiang Kai-shek and Madame the thesis was compelling. If 500 combat planes and 100 transports and “full authority” for Chennault could win the war, there was no need to reform the army and disturb the dangerously delicate balance of cliques and persons and war zone commanders which constituted Chiang’s teetering seat of power. Air power required no Chinese effort; besides, it looked so easy.
