Important Directive from the National Peasants’ Association to the Peasants’ Associations of Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi Provinces

Establish peasant cooperatives and peasant banks to provide livelihoods and land to those who are landless or have insufficient land, as well as to supply farmers with capital and tools. This is essential for breaking the economic blockade imposed by counter-revolutionary forces and revitalizing rural production. Regulations concerning the confiscation of land belonging to local tyrants, bad gentry, and large landlords must be implemented in accordance with the policies of the National Government. Sixth, regarding the rice issue: previously, due to the lack of effective measures and the manipulation by unscrupulous merchants and local tyrants, peasants often had no choice but to prevent grain from leaving their regions in order to ensure their own food security. Henceforth, this matter should be resolved either through village self-governing bodies or jointly by village production cooperatives and consumer cooperatives. Such organizations are better positioned to accurately assess local needs and should prioritize supplying grain to the revolutionary army while also facilitating the circulation of grain within limits that do not jeopardize the people’s food supply, thereby stimulating rural finance and enabling the purchase of necessary goods. Seventh, once a system of rural self-government is established, it is imperative to strictly enforce the Law on the Protection of Tenant Farmers and Agricultural Laborers to safeguard their living standards.

To fully accomplish these tasks, it is currently essential to strengthen the organizational structure of the Peasants’ Associations and to standardize the procedures of the peasant movement. Local peasant movements must be integrated with the national revolutionary process to consolidate the united front of the revolution and create a solid revolutionary bulwark against imperialism and all reactionary forces, thereby securing the revolutionary gains already achieved. Efforts should be made to realize the principle of “land to the tiller” and ultimately achieve the liberation of the Chinese people. Otherwise, if the primitive manifestations of the early peasant movement persist, the revolutionary victories already won by the peasantry may not only fail to be secured but could even be exploited and destroyed by the reactionaries, leading to severe setbacks.

The matters outlined above are of paramount importance to the future of the peasant movement. Therefore, this directive orders the provincial Peasants’ Associations to implement them conscientiously and to transmit this order to all counties, districts, townships, and villages so that the peasant masses can thoroughly understand the current new policies and work diligently accordingly. It is of utmost importance to report back to this association on the implementation status. This is hereby ordered.

Standing Committee Members of the Provisional Executive Committee of the All-China Peasants’ Association
Tan Yanqai, Tan Pingshan, Deng Yanda, Mao Zedong, Lu Chen

Opening Address at the Banquet Honoring Delegates to the Pacific Labor Conference
[1]
(May 31, 1927)

The Chinese Revolution is an integral part of the world revolution. In the past, this statement was merely an empty slogan; however, at today’s welcoming banquet, it has been imbued with real substance. International imperialists, in their opposition to the Chinese Revolution, have instigated a second world war. Workers along the Pacific coast were the first to rise up in rebellion against this brutal slaughter. Chinese peasants must, therefore, unite more closely than ever before and follow in their footsteps, fighting to the death. The Chinese peasant movement constitutes the principal force in the revolutionary process and should especially advance hand-in-hand with the global working class, relying heavily on the influence and guidance of the workers’ movement. This demonstrates that workers are naturally suited to lead the peasantry. Today, Chinese peasants benefit immensely from the leadership of the international proletariat, and the positive impact this will have on the future of the revolution is truly limitless.

[1] The Pacific Labor Conference, held this time in Hankou, holds great significance. Consequently, the National Peasants’ Association and the provincial Peasants’ Associations convened a celebratory banquet at the Puhai Chun Restaurant in Hankou on May 31st. The Peasants’ Associations of Wuyang and Xia counties also participated, bringing together over one hundred representatives, including Mao Zedong from the National Peasants’ Association and Chen Yinlin, Fu Xiangyi, Guo Shuxun, and Deng Yasheng from the provincial associations. Among the guests were twenty-eight delegates from the Pacific Labor Conference. During the meeting, Mao Zedong delivered the opening address.

Photo Caption
Banquet Hosted by Four Provincial Peasants’ Associations in Honor of Delegates to the Pacific Labor Conference
▲ On the evening of May 31st, the Haihe Hotel was transformed…
More than a hundred guests attended without any major speeches.
: The Pacific Labor Conference was successfully held in Hankou this time, which was a very joyous occasion. Therefore, the Haihe Hotel was chosen as the venue for the celebratory banquet on May 31st. Representatives from the National Peasants’ Association, including Mao Zedong, along with members of the provincial associations such as Chen Longlin, Fu Xiangyi, Zheng Shu, and others, gathered there. Additionally, twenty-eight delegates from the Pacific Labor Conference were present. At the beginning of the meeting, Mao Zedong delivered the opening address, stating: “The Chinese Revolution is part of the world revolution. In the past, this was merely an empty slogan, but today’s welcoming banquet has filled that slogan with genuine meaning. International imperialism, opposing China’s revolution, has already triggered a second world war. Workers along the Pacific coast were the first to rise up in revolt against this horrific massacre. Chinese peasants must likewise join them and fight to the death. The Chinese peasant movement plays a crucial role in the revolutionary process and should particularly collaborate with workers worldwide. As workers naturally serve as leaders, Chinese peasants can confidently rely on the guidance of the international proletariat, which will undoubtedly benefit the revolution.”

On May 31, 1927, the National Peasants’ Association and the Hubei Provincial Peasants’ Association hosted a banquet at the Puhai Chun Restaurant in Hankou to honor the delegates attending the Pacific Labor Conference, with Mao Zedong in attendance delivering the opening address.

Telegram from the National Peasants’ Association to General Chen Jiayou
(May 1927)

To General Chen of Chenzhou:

We have received your telegram dated Geng and learned of your relocation to southern Hunan, where you have sworn an oath to march against the enemy. The future of the revolution indeed depends greatly on your efforts. We urge you to continue pressing forward vigorously, knowing that the entire revolutionary populace stands firmly behind you.

Respectfully submitted by the National Peasants’ Association