Directive on Work in Northwestern Shanxi and the Friction Issue in Hebei[1]
(May 4, 1939)

Our fundamental policy in Hebei is to achieve a situation where the Eighth Route Army becomes the mainstay, to expand the strength of the Eighth Route Army, and under no circumstances to abolish the chief executive’s office and county governments. Regarding the recent friction created by the Kuomintang at Wayaobao, we have adopted a firm stance and have achieved victory. At present, the focal point of friction is in Qingyang, where armed clashes have already occurred. We will firmly hold our ground in the five counties near Qingyang. If fighting breaks out, we will then propose negotiations with the Kuomintang.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong’s remarks on the work in northwestern Shanxi and the friction issue in Hebei at a meeting of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on May 4, 1939.