To Mr. Wang Jingwei, President of the National Political Council in Wuhan; Mr. Zhang Boling, Vice President; and to all Members of the Council:  On this anniversary of the War of Resistance, the entire nation, from top to bottom, is united in sincere solidarity, pressing forward with redoubled effort, resolved to drive out the mighty invader. Yet at a time when the enemy’s offensive shows no sign of abating, the National Political Council has convened in Wuhan, breaking new ground in constitutional governance and taking the first steps toward giving voice to the people’s will. All our fellow countrymen share in this profound joy.

As one of the Council’s members, I have been detained by trivial duties and have been unable to attend in person and hear your lofty deliberations. Nevertheless, to the best of my understanding, all matters of major importance for the War of Resistance and the building of the nation have already been thoroughly presented, through other comrades, together with specific proposals, however modest my contribution may be.

The foe is deep and the calamity extreme; the land of China faces the peril of sinking beneath the waves. Yet now that the people’s will is being freely expressed, there remains hope that even this great crisis may be turned around. There are many ways to bring about such a turning point, but I would venture to suggest three principles as a starting point: first, steadfastly continue the War of Resistance; second, steadfastly uphold the United Front; and third, steadfastly pursue a protracted war. If we can advance vigorously along these lines—without faltering or growing slack—then victory will undoubtedly be ours.

On this day of the Council’s opening, I send this telegraphic message of congratulations and offer to you, my brothers, my salutes in the spirit of the national revolution.  Mao Zedong, humbly.