Question: Are you prepared for a possible chemical-gas attack?

Answer: Owing to severe material shortages, we currently lack any defensive equipment against such an attack. However, we are appealing to Chairman Chiang Kai-shek for assistance. Commander-in-Chief Zhu De is preparing to issue a declaration in response to the Japanese North China Area Army Headquarters. This declaration will state that such inhumane and barbaric acts by Japanese fascism are bound to hasten their own destruction.

Question: Does the Communist Party not advocate universal suffrage?

Answer: Indeed, we do advocate universal suffrage, because only through universal suffrage can the will of the people be fully expressed. The Provisional National Assembly represents a transitional measure. Under emergency conditions, there is neither the time nor the necessary safeguards to hold a free and fair election. At present, the best way to ensure relatively broad representation of public opinion is, as Sun Yat-sen himself proposed during his lifetime, for political parties, the military, and mass organizations each to nominate their own representatives. While this approach differs from true universal suffrage, our ultimate goal remains universal suffrage; this interim arrangement serves as a bridge toward that goal, and it is currently the most practical solution available.

Question: In your estimation, would the Kuomintang be willing to agree to this proposal?

Answer: Given the current difficulties, many enlightened figures within the Kuomintang have long been calling for just such a measure. Chairman Chiang Kai-shek has also publicly stated his intention to implement the principle of people’s rights. Moreover, numerous members of all sectors of society, including senior officers in the war effort, now recognize the necessity of this step. I believe the Kuomintang has no valid reason to reject this proposal. Should they agree, the Communist Party and the Kuomintang could enter a phase of close cooperation, which would be essential for the nation’s welfare and the people’s benefit.