Explanation of the Basic Principles for Waging
Independent and Self-Reliant Guerrilla Warfare
in the Hilly Areas of North China
(September 12, 1937)
Zhou [Enlai], Peng [Dehuai], and Lin [Biao]:
Comrade [Peng] Dehuai:
1. The sixty thousand or so troops of the three units of Tang Enbo, Wei Lihuang,
and Liu Ruming have already occupied the four xian of Weixian, Laiyuan, Guangling,
and Lingqiu and areas to their northeast. There is no more room for maneuver for
the Red Army in these areas, and it is extremely disadvantageous to be stationed
between these troops.
2. Yan [Xishan] has the intention of dispatching the Red Army to Yangyuan and
Datong, and Chiang may also attempt this.
3. The areas which are advantageous for the Red Army at present are Fuping,
Tangxian, Quyang, Xingtang, Lingshou, Pingshan, Fanshi, Hunyuan, Wutai, and
Mengxian, as well as areas in the southern part of the two xian of Laiyuan and
Lingqiu. It is hoped that you will make an effort to have Yan specify these areas.
I have taken note of your telegram of the 11th.
1. I agree with your plan to go to Nanjing with [Zhou] Enlai.
2. In Shanxi, Hebei, and Nanjing, you should stress the explanation of our basic
principle of "independent and self-reliant guerrilla warfare in the mountainous
regions," and obtain their complete understanding and approval.
3. This principle includes: (1) freedom to use our forces according to the specific situation. Now Jiang Jingwen¹ is still saying that the Liu division² should go
to the front as soon as possible. As regards these people's intention, either they do
not understand that it is inappropriate to use a large army group to fight a guerrilla
warfare in a narrow region, in which case, it is obvious that we have not made any
thorough and persistent explanation to them about this principle; or they harbor
evil intentions and are trying to force the Red Army to fight difficult battles. (2)
The Red Army should have the freedom to mobilize the masses, set up base areas,
and organize volunteer armies, and local political authorities as well as the friendly
armies should not interfere. If this is not made clear, it is certain that endless disputes will arise, and the great role of the Red Army will not be brought into full
play. (3) Nanjing will only make strategic decisions, and the Red Army has complete freedom in carrying them out. (4) Stick to the principles of depending on the
mountainous regions and not fighting difficult battles.
4. I shall command until you come back; please inform Zhu [De], Ren [Bishi],
Lin [Biao], and He [Long].
Mao [Zedong]
Mao Zedong
Our source for this text is Mao Zedong junshi wenji, Vol. 2, pp. 42-43, where it is reproduced from a copy in the Central Archives.
1. It is indicated by a conventional character that this telegram was sent between 9:00
and 11:00 P.M.
Our source for this text is Mao Zedong junshi wenji, Vol. 2, pp. 44-45, where it is reproduced
from a copy in the Central Archives. It also appears in Mao Zedong wenji, Vol. 2, pp. 11-12.
1. Jiang Jingwen was at this time the head of the field headquarters of the Guomindang
Military Affairs Committee in Xi'an.
2. The reference is to the 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army, commanded by Liu
Bocheng.