The National Museum of the Republic of China stated that after the diaries of both Chiangs were brought back to Taiwan from Stanford University in the United States in September 2023, some of the original diaries were severely damaged. In order to provide access as soon as possible, they were compiled and digitized using the copies for that year and will be publicly released quarterly, starting today with the fourth batch of digital files of the diaries for public use.
As of December 30, 2024, the National Museum of the Republic of China announced the release of the fourth batch of data from the diaries of both Chiangs, including 1 volume of “Chiang Kai-shek’s Diary” (1930-1933), comprising 3 copies, totaling 1,481 items, 2,214 digital files, and 2 volumes of “Chiang Ching-kuo’s Diary” (1943-1944), totaling 1,014 items, 1,253 digital files.
The National Museum of the Republic of China’s Archive Document and Material Inquiry System provides catalog retrieval and image viewing services. However, until the copyright of the diaries expires, image files cannot be directly accessed online. Visitors must go to the reading room in Taipei for viewing and transcription. Starting from March 2024, image files have been made available for use, with a total of 24 years, 34 volumes, and 16,138 digital files open for access this year.
The diaries of both Chiangs are compiled by volume, divided into daily entries, with the cover and annual summary forming a separate entry. Explanations for each day’s entries only transcribe some of the text. If there are missing pages in the original documents, empty fields with no entries, content that cannot be recognized, or errors, they are marked with [].
In the 1930 entry of Chiang Kai-shek’s Diary released this time, it mentions Chiang Kai-shek’s religious beliefs. In the diary entry from 1930, it mentions that after dealing with traitors, Chiang Kai-shek was determined to be baptized as a Christian, stating it was a significant change in his behavior. Moreover, on October 23, he described the reason for accepting Christian baptism, mentioning his visit to his mother-in-law in Shanghai and his concern for her health, showing his deep thoughts and emotions at the time.
In addition to writing their personal diaries, both Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-kuo also read each other’s diaries. For instance, in the 1943 entry of Chiang Ching-kuo’s Diary opened this time, there is a mention of reading his father’s diary and understanding his father’s deep concerns for the country and the people. Similarly, in the 1944 entry of Chiang Kai-shek’s Diary within the 1943 volume of Chiang Ching-kuo’s Diary, there is a handwritten note praising the benefit of reading his son’s diary until the end of the year.
Furthermore, the National Museum of the Republic of China has authorized the Republic of China Historical and Cultural Studies Society to publish “Chiang Kai-shek’s Diary” for the years 1948-1972. The first batch covering 1948-1954 (7 volumes), the second batch covering 1955-1960 (6 volumes), and the third batch covering 1961-1972 (10 volumes) have all been published. The National Museum of the Republic of China has also published and promoted “Chiang Ching-kuo’s Diary (1960-1969)” in December 2024 and will showcase it at the Taipei International Book Exhibition in February 2025 for those interested in purchasing. Additionally, the public is welcome to visit the reading room in Taipei or borrow the books from major libraries where they are stored.