SECRET SOCIETIES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 17
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 29, 2011
• Sequence Number: 215
• Publication Date: August 6, 1948
• Content Type: REPORT

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
?..y= CLASS ION
. .
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY REPO
i~.
i INFORMAMRMWfiff
. - COU!"ITRY , china
PLACE
ACQUIRED China
DATE cir
ca 1926-1942
'1/' m rO01t0U iS 05*~/YN9 TO 0* IW161M651te SOnso I/ Is,.
x-$50 Ia$$osO 0559105! M ~/OM 101 1555 W 0500 155549
jN 1tt051 912Q0,1 5f TW 55115511 ?1t9t1.
,$55150 5155 tlllllw IUO5A1/0t Y-51550101 M11$0s1 OtROlt
-M 10, plll.Y *1d11 551010 111$ 11115111 00 T1e f1PI0Wt 0*T n
*1 Y 5551115 ITS MMtrI$YO/ l0 Till allwfl00
THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION FOR THE RESEARCH
USE OF TRAINED INTELLIGENCE ANALYSTS
SOURCE Various Japanese documents as listed is bibliography. (Tranelatian specifically
requested.)
SC 'P 80CI1i1'lEa
LLserals in parenthesis refer to the bibliograp
It is a veil-established fact that secret societies have existed iaCbine
as for back as the invasion by the Tatar and It gol tribes in the time of
dying edih Siang Ti, the emperor who built the areat Wall if Min about 2
oemtorl" W.
Originating at diftereat time and places due to various factors, but
with more or less similar objectives, these secret welt ties had their periods
of gmrorth ant vitality which .,ere geuerelly followed by periods o- subsidence,
quiescence, it reenrge Oe.
1 of these societies were at one time or asrther officially prosoribed,
yet their traditions still persisted in the hearts of the people. When c7n~,
ditiL-Aa were such as to create a need for a row mptin of activity a rsourgenoe
appesrsd, fegnentiy nmter a now or different sans. This largely accounts fa
the vultiplioity of names at ptaoity of eutb6ntlo data with -aspect to their
origins, reiatinmshipa, objectives, at activities.
Among the early it most prominent of these societies coning which -
Information is available was the Pal Lien Sri (White Lotus Society) that was
in esistence about the it of the Sang dynasty, circa 1200 AD; the T'icn Ti
W (Heaven and Berth Society), originating presawmbly pm iaus to lft; and
the So Yito Sti (]Bider Dmwthers Society) that appeared early In the Manchu
Dynasty, circa 1670,
I
In ossaaratively recent times, beginning about 30 years ago, these
scotches or their desoemdants reappeared and were cosbiasd.under the sans.
of the Long an Hai (fossry imam Society) and the San No Hai (Triad Souse:y),
whose activities and influence Mere effectually used in the re ationary
DATE DISTR. 6 August
NO. OF PAGES 17
NO. OF ENCLS.
(LISTED BELOW)
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
50X1-HUM
50X1-HUM
CLASSIFICATION WTZAL
~cero~a~mrw
iTTmum
CONFIDENTIAL
T-T
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
C(IFItET.TIAL
efforts to overthrow the MAn[X KIA and subsequent
and to perpetuate the present political regime.
In addition to the foregoing, there have existed at various, times and
places many relatively snnll or short-lived and unrelated secret societies
concerning which little if any authentic information is available.
A still more recent secret society, or,yla ecci'about 1932,' io the T.cn
I She (Blue Shirts Society) whose principal aim lies bean to promote and sus-
tain the revolution which ushered in the government of the Republic of China
The formation of the Far Lien H:iawas due solely to the desire of Han
Shen-t'ung and others to restore the Sung imperial dyne y to the throne of
Chi- in covert resistance to the rulers of the Yuan dynasty. During the
first 200 yearn of the Ming dynasty, the Pal Lien Hal was inective. How-
ever, when the country later became embroiled in civil war, it took advantage
of the dieerder to extend its influence in Hopeh, Shantung, Shansi, Hcnen,
remittently, however, until the end of the Manchu dynasty. (t)
troops and slain. The remounts of Hen'e followers,. however, contiamed the
struggle throughout China, despite their leader's death. The oppression
suffered by the Pat Lien Hai became even worse during the Ming dynasty
that followed. The febellious activities of the Pat Lien Hai continued un-
the Pal Lien Hui, Han Shan-t'ung, organized a group of people from the
Yangtze and Huai River sections as his followers. Han taught them to use
spears and clubs. When the authorities discovered that Han Shan-t'ung,
whose followers wore red scarves wrapped around their heads, was about to
raise a resistance arty of 100,000 men, they had him arrested by official
dynasty were in power, the heavy taxes they exacted along one section of the
Yellow River area aroused widespread public resentment. The then leader of
The Pat Lien Hai was started by Teen Yung towards the end of the Sung
ij.mety. Yuan Yung predicted the foreign invasion of the Nuchen Tatars
who established the Kin (Gold) dynast He gathered followers in Shansi
end Shensi to fight for the preservation of the Sung dynasty, but was de-
feated. His doctrines, however, spread gradually to Kensu, Szechwan,
Hiangeo, Anbvei, Hunan, and Hopeh. While the military rulers of the Yuan
Shensi, and. Ssechvan. The members of this society continued to resist all
attempts of the auttorities to suppress them throughout the whole of the
Manchu dynasty. (5)
Par Yu Hai (White Feather Society)
San Hsiang Hal (Three Scents Society)
T'ien L1 Chino (Dish Justice Sect)
Pa Mat Chino (Eight Dlegrame Sect)
Ta Ch'ang Chino (areeter Vehicle Beat)
Pal Yang Chino (Fight sin Sect)
Hung ^.la'imag Hal (Fled Spear Society)
Ta Tac Hal (cheat Sword Society)
Haiao Tao Dii (Small Sword Society)
'I Ho T'uan (The Boxcw a)
50X1-HUM
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
CONFIDENTIAL
Of these eooieties, some sprang up only to disappear within a short
long and vigorous existence with numerous offsprings. (1)
B. Rung Ch'iang Hui (Red Spear Society)
secret society and the victim of increased oppression. The use of red by
secret societies had been customary from olden times, and the emblem of
the oonrUtions of civil disturbance increased in intensity, the society's
activities increased, and when coniitlore improved the society subsided.
b. Work together with your native village; love
CONFIDENTIAL
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
(ONf TIAL
_+scrupLLlOus tax"
d. Puaishmont of corrupt officials and local troublemakers
CONFIDENTIAL
The
million members Ch'lang Hui Is said to have a total membership of over 2
throughout China
(
a. Over 18 years of age
b. Engaged in honorable work
e. Introduced by more than two regular members. (4)
were also active In the am the Haiao'ao Hui, which
Chiang ibti. The pest, are, for the isost part, identical with the Hung
affixed to the spears only point of difference is that whereas a red tassel Is
used by the Hung Ch'Iang Hui members, the Ta Tao H11
members use s large sword, which is undecorated.
The Haiao Tao Hal, which originated. In Anhwei, at one time numbered
several thousand followers who were all armed with small swords. Other
societies which rprang up in Shantung as successful antibandit defense or-
ganizations were the Hung She Hal (Red ?end Society), Huang She &I Sand Society), Hung Ying BAS (Red Tassel Society), Chine Ying But (Dazzling
Tassel Society), Hung Ch'i Hui (Red Be- S 1
.
3)
4. Relationship With Other Secret Societies
Banner Society), oc sty), Poi Ch'i Hui (White
Banne othese Bluff, Ch leg Hui, to. On the first or fifteenth of every
mo Such groups burn incense, and carry out special worship services.
Such oadntzationae coutInued too epand because they were the only security
bandit problem as Shantung, villagers, Ronan, faced with the same
also establish
d
'
e
a Hung
a
lang Hui to serve as
Protective force. in 2 or 3 years, the Hung Chiang Hui proved so success-
fUl the bandits that its Influence extended throughout China. Since
bandits were also scattered throughout Kisngau, groups such as the Pal Yirg
H l and Rung Ying Hui (Red Tassel Society) coon were established in this
,rnvlnco.
Members who entered the Ying'iang ail (Tasselled Spear Society)
were all armed with ;ld-fcshioned epeure. However, they were considered as
part their of the Pal Ying Hit acoordiug to whether a white or red cord was affixed
spear'. NWW villagers joined these groups since their objective was
to provide 1'otection from banditry.
The three most important laws set down by the leaders of these groups
were:
b. Do not conduct yourselves immorally.
c D
net only existed In Shantun -~- v~ ....y.,,~y oppression. Its influence
and Ronan, but extended throughout all the region
north of the Yangtze River and into the three northeastern provinces of Msn
churls.
o
? not leer death.
o
c etyl, tang Bui (Green
Hue Ch'lang lain (Gay-Colsred Spear Society),u and the Scan Chen Ta HSNar soul
elen Ha1etY),
?,-jana447 relations with other groups
that were carrying on self-defense and self-governing activities, such as the
Huang Chiang Hui (Yellow Spear S
i '
50X1-HUM
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 (True Followers of Dr San Society), etc. Whenever suitable t C~Iung hiang
Hui tried to bring about an alliance of these various friendly groups.
The Lu Ch'iang Hal, Huang Ch'ieng Hai, Pal eh'iang Hai (White Spear
Society), and Hai Ch'lang Hai (Black Spear Society) were all patterned after
the Nang Chiang Hal. The organization of these societies was almost identical
with that of the Hang Chiang Hai. The wily difference was in regard to the
collar of the tassel affixed to their spear. These spear wielders were quite
influential in villages of Shantung and Honan.
The Hai Chang Hui influenced ignorant people by means of superpt?i-
tion and nonsensical practices. It was founded by Lu T'ing-sha, a native of
Hopeh Province. Lu T'ing-sha successfully defeated a group of bandits in
battle, and emerged unharmed himself. As a result, his believers increased
greatly in number.
There wero also four banner societies related to the Mang Ch-tang
Hal, known.as the Huang Ch`i Hui (Yellow Banner Society), Hsi Ca'i Hui (Black
Banner Society), Pal Ch'1 Hui (White Banner Society), and Ch'ing Ch'i Hai
(Blue Banner Society). Their inner make-up was for the moat part, Identical.
The Huang Ch'i Hal was active in western and southwestern Shantung.
In 1929, this group's followers in wag-edmn Helen rebelled against Fang Yu-
belong. More than 10,000 members of the Hsi Ch'i Hui and Ch'ing Ch'i Hai
in southern Shantung then raided the farmers, and conducted themselves like
bandit groups. During the revolutionary battles that were waged in China,
the members of these groups fought bravely to keep troupe of both contending
military factions out of Shantung. (3)
The Huang She H:it has experienced a very swift development in An-
yang fihresumably in Hunan Province] and throughout Hunan and. Shantung.
The Hung She Hai is located in Shantung. (1)
The Sun Chen To Helen Hal (Society of True Followers of Sun Yat
son) was one of several Small societies that appeared during the period
1911-1921 to promote self-defense and Self-govermmvt. Being friendly to.
the Hung Ch'leng 311, they were taken under its wing for mutual assistance
and protection.
(L)
C. Ta Tao Hal (Great Sword Society
1. Origin
The To Tao Hai was founded in western Tang-ch'ang District, Shantung
Province, during the Eeang Hats era L11$;y-19087. It is a branch of the Pal
Lien Hui, and was organized at the suggestion of Chang i'u-fu.
Sinoe Wang Ta T.sc he? else: been reported ae the leader of the To
Tao Hai, and Jan Yu-kuei as the lender of the Hung Ch'inag Hal, it can be
seen that the aiffereaoe between these societies Is, for the moot part, one
of now ca34, They are all quite similar as regards belief and organization.
(1)
In 189t Liu Shlh-t'uan, P'eng 2hei-1In, and other leaders of the
Pal Lien Hal declared their opposition to Christianity, and advocated the
perseeutlm of all Chinese Chrletluos, wlcan they considrered as secondary
foreign devils. There were more than l0,v00 members of the To Tao Hai in
Shantung Province at that time, They disobeyed government cAere, and also
refused to pay taxes. The Magistrate of Tang-Chang District, Haag faoh-Chou,
CONFIDENTIAL
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
0
(O IAL
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
or forced to flee for their lives. However, this action only served to
extend the influence enjoyed by the Ta Tao ]bit, -as a result of the popular.
indignation that was aroused against this official oppression. (1)
aroused by this highhanded behavior of the Ta Tao Et, sent a punitive force
against the rebels. As a result, molly "Pa Tao ',&i leaders woroeither.killed
lender, pays an entrance foe of -3 yuan to the eldest me3TJLar. The grospec
The procedure in joining the To Tao Hui iaa simple one. A.pro'-
It has been reported tbore are 'now (1932) more than one million
To Teo ffii members in Shantung Province, and over 10,000 members in Man-
churia. However, it is impossible accurately to check these figures.
3. Organization
bellion.
claimed their intention to expei the Germans. This anticipated action was
quelled, however, by the swift action of the Chinese authorities in Shantung.
After the "C8n'iatienity incident," just as the original secret societies had
resisted the northern barbarians, so the Pat Lien Eel and its modern branches
developed an attitude of animosity and resistance toward all foreignersin
Heiao Tao Hal (see below), still another branch of the Pat Lien Hui. pro-
indemnity and a 99 year lease over Chiao-chou-wan (Kiaochow Bay) near
nh ng-taj. When Germany sent in troops to occupy Chiao-chox-wan, the
broke into (mristian churches in Shantung and killed two German priests.
As a result of this incident, Germany demanded and obtained from China an
The consequent occupation of Chia-thou-wan by Germany was directly attribu-
tabl4 to the above activities of the To Tao Eel. (1)
In 1897, Liu T'u-t'uen and other leaders of the It Tao Hui, a
branch of the Pat Lien &i, enraged over the recalcitrance of Christianity,
Soon afterwards,, in October 1897, Christian churches were destroyed
and two German priests were killed in Tsao-ohou (Ko-tee), Shantung Province.
its leaders. (1)
exerted great influence in the r_.hiao-chow, Kao-mi. Ping-tu, and Chu-Ch'ong
itself cams to be called an outlaw organization. Ta Tao umi membership
greatly increased during the revolutionary period, due to the defense it
provided against the attacks of scattered troops 'and bandits. This society
The Ta Tao Hui gradually increased their opposition to despotic and
corrupt authorities, and to military vagabonds. As a result, the To Tao Hui
2. Development
The foll.cving are t ho regulations which govern this society:
t. All prospective members must receive at least 2 months
trsininz.
platoon. There shall be one leader and one instructor assigned to,eacn
squat and each platoon.
d. Specially qualified members shall be sent to each helen in
order to carry out the following objectiveo:
CONFIDENTIAL
50X1-HUM
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
f
forces.
(OWUNIAL
(1) Aasassinate,ihA govarnnr, pnllce chief,nnd other high
{,?) Create `confuaion by atteckint{ bovernmant" offices'.
(3) Seize the weapons and provisions of the punitive military
(4} Obstruct the passage and movement of punitive military
(5) Destroy telegraph and telephone lines, and other Doane of
communication
f. Assemble at all cities and towns before initiatitg operations.
A. The following.awards are to be granted to meritorious members:
(2) For assassinating a lien / company of .126 soldiers]
caemanaer, customs director, or head of a police district--3,000 yuan.
The objectives of the To Tao Hat are identical with those of the,
Hung Ch'itng Hui. This organization was also primarily n meene of pro-
viding self-defense for the villages. Whenever p neighboring village was
armed soldiers--1,000 Yuan.
4, Relationship With Other Secret Societies
(3) For assassinating policemen or customs officials--2,000 Yuan.
(4) To any member who brings in the decapitated heads of ten
their bravery was on a par with that of the Bung Chiang Hui members. The
Ta The 1&i,, however, was said to have more woalthy members tban the Ming
Ch'iang Hiui. The. members of both sttietiee believe that the training they
with great swords. When things were peaceful, each member attended to his
own work in his respective village. Since they all shared the common re-
ligious attitude that death would signify a return Lo everlasting life7,
D. Zelao Tao H-i (Small Swcrd Society)
opposition to the occupation of Liao-chou-wan by Germany in 1997. Aa
present. (1932) the Helms Tao Hai is scattered throughout Shantung Province
The religious doctrines followed by the Ssiao Tae Hui are very uimilar'
to those of the To Tao Hui. Moreover, this group planned an uprising in
dominant throughout Sbantu:g and Hopeh. in 1900 they boos me violently active,
destroying ga'latien churches, killing Christians, and mm,:rmding the for
bign legations in Pei-ping. Allied troops of eight nations :are later used
to bring about an end to this movement. (5)
In 1900, the I Ho T'uan, under the slogan "assist the Manchus to exter-
minate the foreiwat5ra," staged the famous Boxer incident. It was a branch of
E. i w.. T,., (mh... m.. ..t
50X1-HUM
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
1
Cr!:ea'I_;_ii .w
CONFIDENTIAL
would protect them from be`ng injured by rv_-afire. Their members were tau,.ht
box?ne and fenci.ng, Even today (19"2) their members Ore c!cattered througho't
Hopeb and that part of the Yellow River area which extends through Hoaan ant
It also had its branches. known ;u the Ch' ien Tz+ Ch' pan Ch ?Ian Chrsactor BBrnd,
Li Tzu Cli" an Li Chrracter.Dend rnP the, Chen.Tzii Ch' nen Chen Chprrctcr Bend.
These Organizations believed that the performance cf cert .in !aalic ritu.ls
Shantung. (1)
F. Taxi 14 Chico iBight Principles Sect)
early in the l+lencbu dynasty. It was active in Honan. Shantung;. and Manchu ic.
it
th
The Teal Li Chino wee another branch of the Pal Lion Hui which arose
All those branches of the Pal. Lien Hui professed same degree of religious
faith, and these beliefs inevitarly entailed a certain amount of ignorant prac-
tices. But the influence of such secret eocietiee as the San He Hui and the
Ho Leo But, whose objectives were purely political in nature, are doing away
with adherence to religious ceremony.' In this way, these societies have per-
longed to this secret society.
at J
The reason for calling this branch the Tsai Li Chico was the Sect
followers obeyed the precepts of Buddhism. practiced the moral etandcrds of
Taoism, and observed the propriet ee of Coafuciauien. The Tsai Li Chico
forbade smoking. -nebriation, the burning of incense, Bind the erection of
graven images, in 1926 there were many lanchuriea mounted bandits who be-
fected their secret nature. (5)
C. Wu Chi Tao (Great Illimitable Sect)
The Wu Chi Tao is similar to the Rung Ch'lang Hui in that 1". also
originated as a branch of the Pai Lien Hui. The Wu Chi 'Tao consists of
1. Origin
Chi Tao roan OR In erns. Led by Yang Ian-tao, the TempleSnpsrior of T eng..
tioven meat led to institute reforms In this area such as the liberation
o f w o n = abolition of idol worship and other superstitious beli;,fs, the Wu
By March 1929, the k'u Chi Tao was active in the Chi-ning,I-hheien,
2. Development
Wang Ta Tao, live quietly at a place located 19 it West :.f Ch: ning-
Leaders of the We Chi Too, such as Ch'i Ta-hying, Jon Yu-kuei
3. Relationship With Other Secret Societies
A. Vida T1 Sul tBeiven and Earth "Gaiety)
The Tien Ti But reportedly originated f?,reoumably sometime prior to
1660 AD in a monastery named Shao-lin-te'u In Chin-lien Sham, P'u_t'len Esien,
CONFIDENTIAL
i Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
CONFIDENTIAL
This temple. wee said to have been erected by Bodhidhorma and to have
been 1,000 year? old at the time the T'len Ti Hui vas founded. It was
lonot+n to have been situated 'in a mouutcia retract an~, to, bare been of n iui-
cetnt appearance. (5)
B. Sea No Sul (Triad Society)
1. Origin
The San No Hui was the name adopted by the Tien Ti Hui about 1615,
when it secretly undertook to wreak vengeance upon. the offi^ials who had
killed priests of the Shao-lin-te'u Monastery.
Throughout the period 1675 to 1911, the avowed objective of the
San No Hui, also sometimes known as San Tien Hui (ibree Point Society),,
was the overthrow of the Manchu dynasty. It was so successful in its
battles against the Manchu officials that by the middle of the 19th Century,
Saga No Hui members were firmly entrenched in Taiwan, Kwangtung, Kwengel, and
other parts of South China, as well as in Fukien. Branches of the San No
Hui were also known as the Ch'ing Shut Hui (Pure Water Society), Ch'i (Seven
Chieftains Society), Shueng Tao But (Double Sword Society), etc.
At the end of the 19th Century, the San No But became the.energetic
supporters in South China of Sun Yat-sen in the revolutionary activities
which resulted in 1911-1912 in the eatablichmseat of the Chinese Republic.
The Son No Hui also established and maintained branches ove-rcoao,
and bad considerable influence among the overeuas Chinese. It rendered
considerable aid to these overseas Chinese in cases of alckneao, death, or
other emergenclee. Because of those benevolent activities, many over.,eao
Chinese Joined the San No Hui. (5)
3. Relationship With Other Secret Societies
the San No Hai apparently was the principal cm of the secret
societies whose Influence extende' throughout South China. More than
?O secret societies were affiliated with the San Ho Hui. Furthermore, _ts
branches extended their activities to the Phillippiren, Hawaii, America,'
and Europa.
S,aething of the relationship la which gone of these societies
stand with respect to each other to represented by the osying that the
Eung Pang to the heed of the San No Hal, the Ch'ing Pang to its trunk,
and the'verioue factions of Svangtung end Kwangei are its tail. (2)
Mageani'noua FrRta`sa?ty)
C. Hung Pang (Red Fraternity, or
The Hung Pang was organized as a secret society during the Manchu
dynasty by unscrupulous soldiers who engaged in assaasinaticris, kidnapping,
robbery, Fri enaggling. Ona of its cliques, load by Wang Ya-ch'iao, because
of its villainous msniwerahip, was beet known for Ito unparalleled brutality.
When the war with Japan broke, bandit grouF*i such so the Hu P..an on r..Ced :in
anti-Japanese activities a?.-der the name of the Hung Lien. (2
aterai:,g)
D. Ch'ing Pang (Clear, or Pure,
This pramineat secret society began to assume large proportions frog
about 1727, when the Manchu Government arrar3ed with its leaders to handle
_g-
CCiisT.lcEUTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
50X1-HUM
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A00060020021.5-2
AL
the transportation of tribute grain along the Grand Canal. In course of timo,
its activities were satewhat modified, but up to the present it has had a con-
tinuous'ezieteace and large influence. Its members for the most part have been
laborers, stevedores, rivermen, and seamen, and are said to number several mil-
lion. Its activities and leadership center at Shanghai where there are not
less than 100,000 members.
H. Hong sun (Megnaniaous Gate society, or Magnanimity Sect)
Mea9herr.of the Hung Men, which is affiliated with the San No Hui, wore
often spo'laaa of in Japan as the overseas Chinese who wanted to save the MIT
from annihilation. At Present (1939) it is coctinuing its fight against
Japan thirh an alliance with such anti-bbiaag factious as the Pal Chung-
hsi, Li Ohl-ch'an, and Chen Ming She groups.
This secret society originated about 16TC with tenets of humanity and
justi*, prohibitions agsin-,t unlawful activities, and the policy of protecttng
the poor and omt3woulft the rich. About the saw time or sometime subsequently,
factions or branches appeared under various news, among which were the Ch'ing
Pang (Pure Fraternity), Hei Pang (Black Fraternity), Pal Pang (Matte Fraternity),
Lung Hna Hal (Flowery Dragon Society), and the Tsai Chia Li (.At Horns Society).
,bug theme Ho Lao Hai factious, the Ch'ing Pang has car to be regarded no
the mein legitimate descendant of the Ho Lao Hui; the Hal Pang and Pao Pang de-
generated Into hands of thieves end beggars whose plundering activities were
throuily detested by the Ho Lao W. The Ling Ma Hui much later aaerged
again as a revolntimasy organisation.
B. `'jsai Chia Li (At Have society)
1. origin
The Tat Chia Li was founded by P'an To Lin, who was among the original
founders of the Ch'ing Pang. Be was also believed to have been a member of the
Ho Lao Val. Tables the *a Too Hai and the Huang Ch'San Hui, which were primarily
self-defense organitaticas formed by fsrsere, the Teal Chia Li adopted the
principle of "live and let live." Guided by this tenet, it occasionally playys'?.
a major role in Labor disputes and similar activities. It also assists in
wedding eerenaoies, funerals, moerainga, and various charitable activities.
Iti leaders and masters have hundreds and ecmatifes thousands of
disoiplea. It Is rumored that msednere of the armed secret moieties, such as'
the Ta Tao Hot and the H,mg Chiang but, and most of the tad bandits sleo
belong to Gina Li. On late Chang isaodt-Chiang 0L r military
govefraar at shunt mg Provia*J wee widely known as a feel Chia 14 rue er, nd
so Uwe most of his mzh rdinmtea.
Thera is a general belief that almost everypolioseen of the Hang-
tang OovenMmaint 0e0eral is C. Teal Chia Lt Umber.
To. Taal Chia Li has been gainiz considerable Influence lately by
obtaining am members fran the military, government, commercial, and Indus-
trial fields. Mm Manchuria, its influence thrives especially in Ta-lien
(Dairen),. Ting-k'on, lhtrshfn, mien--yang (M bdan), Pan-ch'i-hu, Aa tung, Ch'ang-
oh'ua, Chi-lin, and &Ferh-pin. it has over 3,000 sm6sra each in the cities
of Ta-lien, An-tang, Pa-shim, Mm-yang, Ohl-Lin, and Ha-arh-pin, and more
10 -
COltB'Ztl~'IAL
CONFIDENTIAL
50X1-HUM
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
l
CONFIDENTIAL
facts; it is believed, however, that forsideble power might be dieplayed by this
Organization should it ever stage an uprialog for political or other purposes.
Its activities in Manchuria have been'carried out`quietlyand became`
of its highly secret nature, it is extrmaaely difficult to ascertain the *-,-
riad
t ban
`?ban l,uOo members in each of the other cities mentioned above
it cannot be called a obari+.rble organization as such.
3. Relationship to the Ch'ing Ping
pest, but that Poligl is no longer observed today 2W initiation ceremony
cosawhat rasa lea that of the Ch'ing Pang, but it Tunes with the locality.
Any legitimate se en may obtain fall support and the protection of his life
and property from the organisation irrespective of his social standing. Al-
thoueh m of its activities are of a charitable nature, rendered to its own
ell warkess and jobless idlers constitute the bulk of membership. Persons
with questionable backgrounds and those who engage in menial occupations such
as bat'esrs; butobarhs, entertainers, and coolies, were entirely excluded in the
_^. lbadser ship
It generally requires two on more sponsors to rectamend a new member to
the orenmisatim. JimberehIp consists of soldiers, bacchante, farmers, govern-
t officials, and others representing all walks of lif'. On the whole, induc-
Chia - gnseticaable. aowsver, it some likely that this claim sprang from,
their desire to emeggea:^ate the also of their secret society.
">hs influence of the Ch'ing Pang and Hung Pang I. pcedcaluant over
that of the '1"i Chia Li in iang.bai and the Chang Chiang Y ngtss River are
loesvsr, the 'lkai Chia L1, rather than the Ch'ing Pang, predominatee in the
erva Beet Shestumg to llsooLoia. This fact leads to a probabilit
that the
claim, if true, would mks the existence of a separate entity called the that
To Taal the neaae of founder, a Li mombere unifors1y call each other "Feat," which is
thereby indicating their identity as washers.
the bai Chia .Li mashers today claim th st tbM Oh'lnn Anna: 3m4 a.,.,
y
Teel C1a i may be actually a?esot of the larger crgstizatim, Ch'ing Pang, .
a ge?bebility Quit* contrary io what is olalsed by the that Chia Li umbers.
Nothing Is certain about VAn matter except that they all have the acme br'igin.
that 6lela LA, sweentbeleae, has Its 1a4tisate ?actions called the
Pal Llag Hut (White Spirit $ooisty), Mdn Chia Hari (Gold Paal]y 8oodety), eta
14d.Ching &d (T'iaz-ohing NsWorbood Esciety), etc., which are all collec-
their - .
The 3811ag tan 3ei was founded in 1892, saialy through the efforts of
Bm Tat-men. Its objective van the overthrow of the lienchn dynasty.` Its
1rs& 4-..1..i.-- ----- - - - - -
T'sog.Jten lgai
1. t gauisation
50X1-HUM
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
b. The establishment of a political party baaed an republican pria-
ticnary principiee were later, adopted by the ecciety.. They were:
CONFIDENTIAL
In 14, sun Tat-sea organized a united revolutionary party known as
the T'uug Meng But. Mr sus was proclained its leader. Six Important revolu-
a. The support of genuine world peace
d. Land nationalization
e. thifieation of the Chinese and Japanese people
t. The institution of Chinese reforms by obtainiri the
In January 1910, there was en unsuccessful revolt in Bbengcbov 1-.'d by Ni Ting-
tien. on 29 March 1911, Huang Heing and other revolutionariesLwho were in XVang-
Qhov tcyibg to raise a revolutionary corps of voiunteers, were apprehended by
the autberities. Sven though they put up a strand defense and set fire to the
Office of the Oovearaor General, these revolutionary forces were finally routed.
Savventy-two son, including Huang, were killed in this battle. The Chinese
Revolution that broke out at Wu-ch'ang soon afterwards was a direct consequence
Sault conducted revolutionary activities both in and out of China. in 1908
and 1909 Huang caused disturbances in Chin-ahou mm-to-ahan and 8o-k'cu
travelled to salty comtrios in order to obtain funds for the revolution. Huang
3? Belatiooehip With other secret societior
In Mq 1908, the Hod Hsi-11n Incident o000red. End was a native
of obekiai+g dho had famed the Fa Ku Hut (Haotore the Old society) with its
asspareinati~2 tactics of the revolutionists. (5)
nip cos axon military officials of the Manchu Government greatly feared the
0. Ztltang. IN ;!Log Hui (Hatuamm of Light Public Society)
. origin
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
2. -Development
CONFIDENTIAL
Before the Chinese Revolution, the Huang Fu Kung Hui wee very escret
and comparatively uninfluential. However, after the revolution had Succeeded,
the Using Fu Ewg Hui come out into the open, and subsequently experienced
rapid development both In Eveiohow Province and outside of it. no remarkable
success of the revolution in Ei:eichow province was due, for the most part, to
the power wielded by Huang Tee-lin, its leader.
Luang Tee-lin activated an army through the cooperation of Chang
Shih-eh'i and Chao Te-cb'uan. In that vat, Huang succeeded In making the
Huang Fu Hung Sul a center of military influence which reached a point where
a'lmaet all military and political officials in the area, irrespective of their
relative Importance, were Huang Vu Hong Hut where.
3. Orgenleatiaa
The following constitutes a brief sketch of the present personnel
at in the Soong Fu ]pang Sul:
a. Director Huang Yu-oh'ing `alternate new for ?Luang Tee Lin
b. Assistant Director: Li Ch'ing-ah'ih
c. Ceremonial Supervisors: Sin Ju-vei, Chiang R31-11n, Li Rsn-
yugn, Jaya T-ch'ing, Swag Chiang-chin
d. Pledge Supervisors: Len Shao-t'ing, Huang Chin-yao, Chou Yu-
ehen, Ch'ea Ch'ln-ch'on
e. Military Casgmnderes T'an Ch'uen-ch'ing,Chin Tien-ch'eng,
Chien La-eheog, Chang Chu-baing
f. Prefects: Chen Swg.-Shan, Teen San-ohih, Yang Yu-tang, Yoh,
Fong-oh'm
g. 11aRYetrates (on the left): Ch long Tao-tang, .' Yen-ch'en, Li
&e!-hhang, Liu 7Dwi-oh'n
h. Court Adminietrato s: Chan Sung-Fu, Hsiao Jul-t'ang, You Sung-
ohm. i. Ccaat Deputies: T'ang Te'an-cbcng, Li Edon-ch'uu, Nish Eel-ho,
),etig Li Pia
J. Corot Assistants (on the right): Chiang flu-tau, Sim Tu`m-po,
VU Hsiang-ling, Yang Ch'ua-Shan
k. Court Executives: Chiang Chun-t'Ing, Chu Ch'un-t'ing, Elm
Chao-hsieng, Haag Halm-Shang
1. Assiateat Magistrates: Hu Chi-hsuen, Thai Chi-chih, Heise Tao-
^hMg, Ch'dA Vea-pia
a. Judges: Sung 41mg-Sher., Long Yu-Shen, Li Shu-ah'ing, Ruang
Chien-ohlivg
a. Ih Charge of Ewe Moberg: Chin Vol-pin, Chin Eel-,dui, Chang Ho-
oh'ing, Oh'" TM-Shan
0. Recorder of Heroic Deeds: Ho P'ei-vu
p. Lover ranking officers and members were: 31tewerds, lfenagere,
-.s, .-.-&- w.or o`uN.r'u3Y6ttl f:iatlOli 109L10,B.
h. Relationship With Other Secret societies
fto regulations and personnel alassl.icatiana of this society we
almost identical with those used by the No Lao W. Some persona have re-
ceatly aerated that the Meng Fa Rung Sul In a breach of the to Tao M. (5'
D. United Association of Military Youth Seale for Stvra of an Fat-inn's
..new, HM=W-P'U ACaG4K
A Ign Lsaoc 3 CG
These three organisation were compceed of taoulty members, Students, mad
CC1SF75MMMAL
CONFIDENTIAL
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
(O flflAL
in the period from 1920 to 1931. The first of these Mee composed of Ccomuniat
Party supporter. a. The latter two were groups formed to couteract the foz er
and to afford some protection from Cammuniet pressure. These two groups re-
ceived secret encouragement from Chiang S'al-shek end gradually becemme more
8. CC. Clique
1. origin
The CC Clique cow Into prominence follcwing the break with the
... C. Gs . 2iita in lien-'ou in i9cu. its leadara were "Man Li-fu and hie
brother Ch'en Mw-fu, both of wham were trusted supp^xrtere of Chiang S'ai-
ahek boldiz lapurtaut positions in the W. It was from thbstart strong-
ly acti?Cammmiet. It Is uncertain as to whether the i!,ttera CC represent
the capital letters of the "Central Club" or the intiala ct Ch'en Kto-fu
a. The Central Party executive Cammlttee
122() Assletent birector: Chen Li-fu
t3/ Administrative Head: Hsu Seu-teeng, Secretary of tho
5 8ecretiu7 t`cr t;pacial AffairsChien Chang-chap
6) Ste f U eras Rung I .tag, Yn ChinC-t'eng, Bled P'ei-
Huung Chang-yu, Wu C
M AL
2. fhgeatiizatim
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 co^WIIIBNTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
nucleus Of trustworthy and tealouenusn within the D (loyal to Sun Tat-sen's
Three peopless with the twofold danger principles of the Chinese leadership and Chiang the Jap~sk invaders.
1. Relationship Between the CC Clique and the Len I She
Some people believe that the CO Clique and the Lan I She are one and
the sees organization, while still others assert that the Len I She is an
outgrowth of the CC Clique. It is undeniable, however, that both are secret
organizations serving under Chiang 8'at-gaek for the cammom purpose of
stabilizing his dictatorial power. Nevertheless, they differ markedly in
that while the lea I She is a military clique composed of Huarg-p'u )lilitary
Academy graduates, the CC clique, an the other hand, is inherently a body
composed of graduates of the Central Political Science School which is head-
ed by Chien Li-fu and Chen Sno-fu. Other differences between these two
orgy izations may be cited.
a. 'While the CC Clique supports the three People's Principles
(8sn lfin Chu I), the Ian I She is largely guided by Fascist ideology sea
amts as the spearhead of Chiang's dictaaorial power.
b. When the sphere of their influence is compared, the CC Clique
is influential in cities and provinces where the central political power
of the ' to directly exerted, whereas the Lan I She, is influential notably
in military circles and in the rural districts.
c. While both persistently adhere to iA anti-Japanese policy, the
.Len I She manifests this policy by means of terroristic activities and the
CC Clique carries out the same volley through propaganda activities.
In compliance with Chiang g'ai-ebek's attempt to manipulate these
two aharaoteristioally different agencies in order to exterminate Ca?auniet
elements within the Jiatianaliut goverimmut, the Len I She and the CC Clique
cooperated closely for scar tins. Their activities included the arrest and
assassination of Casmauaiste and other inoargents that collaborated with the
Jepniese. this cooperation, however, soon terminated as a conflict arose
between the 00 Clique and the Lem I She leaders beaded by Chang Wen-i. This,
conflict ushered in a period of cuaceless contention between these two grange.
Both the CC Clique and the Len I She were believerd (in 1941) to be
supporting the fifth-column activities and guerrilla warfare of the light
Route Araty. (3)
The Ia 16iw'e influence extends the assss. while the CG Clinra'a
influence is mostly ocnfinrl within the party organization. The latter, however,
has been exerting itself in North China, notably in Tien-cM ng end Pei-ping,
sbere it has been directing the anti-Japanese boycott of goods and the rtu
dents' cAti-Jep6u = +_ Tt wee liinely also that the CC Clique was In-
vowed in the fi'ung-chow Incident yrobably'refers to the c ihi3ation of
about 100 Japanese in the western part of.l''ung helen, near Pei-p'ing by
Chinese troops un 27 Jaly 19317 which led up to the China Incident. ~7)
NMXXLIAU ONUM SOt'I91'YSH
The -weber, neeee, and geographical location and areas of various WP,IU
Laecret societies is abort !aodlese. govevor, for the met par., their nembar-
ship, influenced and duration werre comparatively limited, as is also the date
evaiiabla coneessing than. In gsosral, they were made up chiefly of farmers
'tis
I 1- rMzt
CONFIDLNTIAL
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
CONFIDENTIAL
that if a warrior is armed with a apear in the right hand and a Hewer
in the left hand, the eneasy'e bullets will all fall into the basket. fracas
of this society's activities he been discovered in scattered plaoee in sian-
The Hue Lean Hui was lrevortedly started by a vaman. Thin society boleros
A few eazmpler of these emallW oo'gaaisaticos are given below.
A. Bus I,ea Flower Baeffiot_Booiet
y
e
Lien Chico, there was little connection vitL earn othr, and a grey v
with respect to beliefs, practices, unifourma, weapca.e and methods of fighting.
for 'the purpose of self-defense against bandit's and militaryoppresaiaa. while
patterned after the larger societies ouch art the lung Ch'iang Hui and the Pal
riet
t
B. Shen Tau Hui ( ? J ociot
The S M Tan Hui respects women and regards motherhood as sacred. Their
meebers use a coin-3 sward and a sacred fan in battle, believing that they can
eacepe the aneep'e bullets by waving the fan.
0. 'Heinag Ti Hnai (Younger B"tthera society)
The Heiung Ti Hui member; are said to chant the word "Hsiung Ti" when in
D. Sus Ling 24-(Cat Boar So!)
The Bus Ling Rid are esid to wrap yellow silk gauze around their boas.
before angagIng In warfare.
3. Tien San h But (Society of Has iy spirits)
The Ts Ion Than Nni has eppeered recently in F'ea-T'ous-hcu, Hopeh Praviaoe;
Umbers of this eocietr dertM drag= effigies 'with their eworde and speara.
F. Nish Tatin Hai (Society of eta! Wus)
as lender at the Nish To to Chao-eau. its mom ra are numerous in
the vicinity of T'en oh'iao (6hsa=rmg). ,le?Aers of the Nish Tau But, at
the time at battle, nsttvc incantat>cna over bowl.of water which th+sr stir
with the thumb and fceerixegac.
G . lamb Him Bids (74'W- Wm GocSai')
The TBeh long Bid wows IV hidden during the defy, but hunched attacks
against their 00810100 at VIOt.
r --I
The Na I Buff has also been called the Lao I Hsi (Old Clotheo Society).
Its members rears well ]moire because they wave white movaning garments during
The Pal 7-'= Chico (Whi?e yotne seat), Huang Chlao But (Yellow Sect Society),
1. Psi T!cu Iai,(Naitd Heads 8ooi?ty)
The Pal T'ou But mwdnare, in order to ba paoteoted free mow epeaare sad
gatanc during battle, r'rap white cloth around their heads and sheets.
J. Other societies
-16-
CONFIDENTIAL
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809A000600200215-2
J
CCi+T'sahNTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
Tien Li Chiao (Nora]. Rectitude Sect), Pa BSaa Chico (Sight Diagram Met),
Liu I Nil (Rightecus Weapon Society), Rang Tang Hui (Red Lantern Society),
and Tien Nan-Thai (Heiaven4 Cato Saainty) era p aval.eut in northern Ronan.
`jhi1e they originated from the cane. source as the Hung Chiang Tai (Red
Spears Society), they are arch anemias of that secret society. The Tien
Nen'But differs f9rom the gang Ch 'lnng Rui in that it believes.ezclusively
in magic rituals rather than formal ceremonies.
Other Societies are the Jil, E,acng Nut (Sunlipbt Society), Chia Tepg Chao
(Golden Lapp Shade), Ta Dien V i (Great Spirits Society), Ian Yiug Hui (Bhes
Tassel Society), Tien Tan Hui (Son of Seaver Society), Mu Lung But (live
G"cn Soci ty), Chaaa Va Hui (True Mlitary Society), Shih Tao Hai (Swmrd
1. 7Jls 21099
Secret and phi a ntbrapic Societies of China, Buenitsu Ta1aIocbi, Naushu Ryoron
a xwwxww~ ' )MM '395 pp, printed by Manchuria Deily
Hale, Dairen
2. I= 2850
aunts of China, Ito Han, Shdating Office, Tokyo, 1939, 249 pp ?
A?ivities and C 'actearlstice of Influential Secret Societiep
zifflmi' s Japan , 20 Joe , 5a 2 pF, printed by
4. J 339025
Chins" Troops, Rebels, and the Bu Chief$_ Hagen Akira, published by
Sekaus , 55 aawra7 , 314 Pp
5. 716 320163
tuxtary of Chinese Secret societies, Sads Hojiro, Reevarch Section, General...
oar a"tilan.16iivar. ;;an ue-7 1( 1926, 140 pp, printed,,
CONFIDENTIAL
50X1-HUM
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/06/29: CIA-RDP80-00809AO006002002152