Zhu, Peng, and Ren [1]: We have received your telegram of the 11th.
The confiscation of large landowners refers to the principal class component of the policy of confiscating collaborators with the enemy. Large landowners who have not collaborated with the enemy are, of course, excluded from confiscation.
Among all collaborators, we should first resolutely confiscate the property of large landowners; as for middle-ranking collaborators, however, we should not rush to confiscate their property before obtaining the consent of the masses.
Among workers and peasants, there are those who were forced to become collaborators; a lenient policy should be adopted toward them, with persuasion and education taking the lead.
This is the class line within the united front, and it is necessary to explain it clearly to everyone.
Luo [2] and Mao printed this based on a copy preserved in the Central Archives.
Notes [1] Zhu refers to Zhu De. Peng refers to Peng Dehuai, who at that time served as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Eighth Route Army. Ren refers to Ren Bishi, who at that time was Director of the Political Department of the Eighth Route Army. [2] Luo refers to Luofu, i.e., Zhang Wentian, who at that time was a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and bore overall responsibility at the central level.