Instructions on the Rectification Campaign in the Northern Shaanxi Revolutionary Base Area
(October and November 1935)

“Spare those under the knife; stop making arrests.”
“We have just arrived in Northern Shaanxi and only have a preliminary understanding of the situation. However, I can see that the political consciousness of the masses is very high, that they grasp many revolutionary principles, that the Northern Shaanxi Red Army is highly combat-effective, and that the revolutionary government is solid. I believe that the comrades who created this base area are fine cadres of our Party. Please rest assured: the Central Committee will handle this matter properly. Executing people is not like cutting leeks—leeks can grow back after being cut, but once a head has fallen, it cannot be restored. If we execute the wrong people, if we kill revolutionary comrades, that would be a criminal act.” [2]

“The arrest of Comrade Liu Zhidan and others was entirely wrong—a baseless frame-up, an opportunistic error, nothing short of ‘madness.’” [3]

“You have suffered unjustly! Nevertheless, for a revolutionary, imprisonment is both a test and a form of rest. Historically, Northern Shaanxi has a strong revolutionary tradition; Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong both launched their uprisings from here. Although this region is poor, poverty often breeds the desire for change.” [1] In October 1935, Mao Zedong led the Red Army into Northern Shaanxi. While he was busily preparing for the Zhiluo Town Campaign, upon receiving reports about the mass arrests and executions of leading Party, government, and military officials of the Northern Shaanxi base area, including Liu Zhidan, he immediately issued these instructions.
[2] This was the main content of his address to the cadres and masses who had reported the situation.
[3] After the conclusion of the Zhiluo Town Campaign, Mao Zedong went to Wayaobao and listened to a report on the investigation into Liu Zhidan’s “case.” Following this, Mao made the above-mentioned instruction.

“When one is poor, one rises up in revolution! The mass base here is strong, the geographical conditions are favorable, so this is indeed a good place to carry out a revolution!”
[1] After Liu Zhidan was released from prison, Mao Zedong warmly received him, inquiring about his health and work. The following is part of their conversation.