Speech at the Evening Reception in Honor of the Central Inspection Delegation May 29, 1937 Special Report by This Newspaper: The Central Inspection Delegation arrived in Yan’an City at around five o’clock in the afternoon on May 19. Various units and musical bands of Yan’an held a welcome ceremony south of the city. Upon disembarking, they proceeded directly to the reception hall presided over by Comrade Mao Zedong, where they were warmly received. At six o’clock, a special banquet was hosted by the government to refresh the members of the delegation. Following the banquet, a grand welcome evening was held. During the meeting, Chairman Lin first declared the session open. He stated that today’s reception carries profound historical significance: during the First Great Revolution, cooperation between the KMT and the CPC had already been initiated; however, the current situation is even more critical than it was then. The nation now faces far greater peril, and the unity of the two parties has never been more vital. The meaning and role of their cooperation today are vastly enhanced compared with the past. For the preceding decade, the two parties had failed to unite; but conditions have now changed. Were they to remain divided, the country would surely perish. The arrival of the Central Inspection Delegation marks the entry of KMT–CPC cooperation into a new phase, a development of immense importance. I believe it is essential to highlight the following two points: First, some harbor doubts about the sincerity of the two parties’ collaboration, questioning both sides equally. Yet the very fact of the delegation’s visit today serves as clear proof to the contrary. Over the past two years, the Communist Party has consistently demonstrated its commitment to unity through political statements—such as documents, declarations, and negotiations—as well as through its policy of peacefully resolving the Xi’an Incident. These actions have unequivocally affirmed our peaceful stance, remaining steadfast in the face of enemy provocations without wavering. This has already been borne out by history. As for the future, further work will be needed to consolidate the alliance and, by democratic means, to resolve those contradictions that stand in the way of unity. Speech at the Evening Reception in Honor of the Central Inspection Delegation 7777 Let us forge a solid united front to confront our enemies, thereby securing national independence, democratic rights, and the well-being of the people. Second, others suspect that the cooperation between the two parties is merely a temporary tactical maneuver, each side harboring ulterior motives. Again, the answer lies in examining our past conduct: did it tend toward disruption or toward unity? In my view, since the Xi’an Incident, the facts have increasingly pointed toward unity. Of course, much will depend on developments going forward. There are also those who doubt the long-term sincerity of such cooperation. I regard these concerns as mere conjecture. We, for our part, remain firmly committed to fostering enduring collaboration between the two parties and are redoubling our efforts to achieve this goal. Subsequently, Chairman Mao provided a detailed exposition on the Communist Party’s past implementation of Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People, as well as on the relationship between communism and the Three Principles. He concluded by affirming that the Communist Party’s welcome of the Central Inspection Delegation was entirely sincere, devoid of any pretense, and that today’s gathering itself constitutes a full manifestation of KMT–CPC cooperation. Xinhua Extra Edition [mimeographed] May 22, 1937 1