Directive on the Principles for Reorganizing Guerrilla Forces in Various Southern Regions[1]

(October 30, 1937)

Bo and Ye:

Regarding the issue of guerrilla forces in various regions:

A. The principle is to concentrate three-fifths and leave two-fifths in place to be reorganized as security forces. Adhere to this principle and oppose the Guomindang’s demand for total concentration.

B. The two-fifths left behind and reorganized as security forces must all undergo political consolidation. Resolutely oppose capitulationism, oppose the Guomindang dispatching any personnel, and at the same time strictly guard against the Guomindang’s schemes, fortifying our own ramparts.

C. Concentrate three-fifths into one army, with Ye Ting as army commander (pending consideration), Xiang Ying as deputy army commander, and Chen Yi or Liu Ying as chief of staff. Oppose the Guomindang inserting any personnel.

D. Allow four months as the time for sorting things out. In every guerrilla area, the Party Central Committee must send personnel to convey the directives in person before concentration proceeds.

E. Before He Ming’s unit’s personnel and firearms are returned in full, no concentration shall take place.

F. Whether Ye Ting can serve as army commander shall be decided after you provide guarantees. Inform Zhou, Zhu, Peng, and Ren[2] accordingly.

Luo and Mao
30th

[1] The original document bears no month; the month is determined based on content.
[2] Refers to Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, Peng Dehuai, and Ren Bishi.