Directive on Fundraising[1]

(August 18, 1936)

In accordance with the Central Committee’s recent new decisions on land policy, with regard to landlords, as long as they do not oppose the anti-Japanese Red Army, the method of confiscation should be avoided, and the method of solicitation should be used to have them contribute as much money, grain, and goods as possible. It is better to confiscate one household too few than to confiscate one household wrongly. In the course of fundraising, attention must be paid to economic policy. Confiscating the shops of landlords is of course wrong, and confiscating ordinary shops is even less permissible. Within the scope of Soviet laws, give appropriate protection to merchants. Without harming commerce, carry out in-depth national salvation propaganda among wealthy merchants, conduct fundraising campaigns, and raise funds for the anti-Japanese effort.

[1] This is a directive on fundraising jointly issued by Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Northwest Revolutionary Military Commission; Zhou Enlai and Peng Dehuai, Vice-Chairmen; Yang Shangkun, Director of the Political Department; and Lin Boqu, Minister of Finance of the Central Government.