At the Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee[1]

(June 24, 1937)

Regarding the work in various provinces, if our leadership in the provinces is weak, and we speak of unification, the Guomindang will not provide funds, and we will encounter great difficulties. Therefore, it is better to proceed more slowly; we shall send people to get things straightened out first. The first priority is for the provinces to change their policies, implement new policies, and change the policies toward landlords and the land policy. If the enemy attacks militarily, we shall resolutely fight back. Once the overall situation is settled and it will not hinder our army, we can then negotiate with them the methods of reorganization. In principle, the Soviet areas shall be administered by us, the Red Army shall be commanded by us, and we must establish good relations everywhere. However, in response to the Guomindang’s actions such as imposing economic restrictions and forcibly demanding the surrender of firearms, we must resist. The basic principle is that our strength must not be weakened.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong’s remarks at the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on issues concerning work in various provinces and the reorganization of the Red Army.