The division of Soviet administrative areas differs fundamentally from that under the old reactionary government. Under the latter, administrative units were typically very large in size, since those were bureaucratic organs designed to isolate the masses; their sole purpose was to weaken and oppress the people. By contrast, the principle guiding Soviet administrative demarcation is precisely the opposite: it must bring administration as close as possible to the masses and serve their interests in every respect. Consequently, neither townships, districts, counties, nor provinces should be unduly extensive.  Although the administrative divisions of the Central Soviet Area have undergone numerous changes, they have generally continued to follow the previous boundaries without being thoroughly overhauled. This has created significant difficulties for war mobilization as well as for development in economic, cultural, and other spheres. Therefore, the Central Executive Committee resolved to redelineate the administrative areas of the Central Soviet Area and to establish the following standards for the delineation of administrative units at all levels:

(A) Cities: In addition to the market area itself, a city may also administer a portion of the surrounding countryside, provided that such territory does not extend beyond five li.

(B) Townships:  (1) First-class townships—located in flat terrain with particularly dense populations—are each to administer a population of approximately one thousand persons. If a single village or several contiguous villages together exceed one thousand inhabitants, the township soviet may oversee a slightly larger population, up to a maximum of fifteen hundred. Conversely, where topographical features (such as rivers) suggest that the area ought to be divided into two townships, so that no single township would have more than fifteen hundred residents, the township soviet’s jurisdiction may encompass fewer than fifteen hundred persons.

(2) Second-class townships—situated in mixed plain and mountainous regions—are characterized by lower population density and correspondingly wider territories. Each such township shall administer a population of about fifteen hundred. Where topography makes it more convenient to define the township’s boundaries somewhat more broadly or narrowly, the township soviet may oversee either more or fewer than fifteen hundred persons.

(3) Third-class townships—predominantly mountainous areas with sparse populations—are each to administer a population of around one thousand. Should certain villages, owing to local conditions, be best served by being included within a single township, the total population of that township may exceed one thousand; however, care must be taken to avoid excessively broad jurisdictions that would run counter to the Soviet principle of closeness to the people. Similarly, if topographical factors render it impractical for a particular township soviet to exercise effective jurisdiction, the township may have fewer than one thousand residents. In regions marked by extensive mountain ranges, vast expanses, and extremely sparse populations, the population of a township may be reduced to approximately four hundred, though never below one hundred fifty.

(C) Districts: The standard is seven townships per district. In areas of flat land with relatively dense populations, a district may administer up to nine townships. In mountainous regions of great expanse and very low population density, the number of townships under a district’s jurisdiction may be reduced to as few as five.

(D) Counties and Provinces: The People’s Commissariat is charged with determining the boundaries of counties and provinces by means of a directive issued in accordance with the principle of closeness to the people.

All Soviet areas outside the Central Soviet Area are likewise required to re-examine their administrative divisions in light of the principles set forth in this resolution. Any areas found to be unduly large and inconsistent with these principles must be redelineated.

Following the promulgation of this resolution, the “Provisional Regulations on the Division of Administrative Areas of the Chinese Soviet Republic,” issued in November 1931, shall be declared null and void.

Chairman Mao Zedong Vice Chairmen Xiang Ying and Zhang Guotao July 11, 1933