Speech at a Meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China[1]

(August 2, 1939)

It is correct to adopt a positive policy toward this session of the People’s Political Council, because we are now at a critical juncture on the question of war and peace. It was also necessary to adopt a negative attitude toward the previous session. The purpose of participating in the National People’s Political Council is to expose the schemes of bad elements, to expose the schemes of the Wang Jingwei faction and others. We must pay attention to opposing the hidden Wang Jingwei faction and certain bankers and militarist factions preparing to capitulate, so as to shift the foundation of the Kuomintang government’s war of resistance onto the middle bourgeoisie and continue the war of resistance. There is now the possibility of splitting the big capitalists. On the questions of parties and groups and on unity, I believe they should be raised at the National People’s Political Council; if not raised, it will be easier to fall into a defensive position. Proposals on guaranteeing civil rights, ensuring unity, ensuring development behind enemy lines, safeguarding financial issues, and opposing capitulationist elements are all necessary. The meeting also discussed the question of foreign policy toward Britain and decided to oppose the joint Anglo-Japanese statement[2] and to oppose Chamberlain’s policy of compromise.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong’s speech at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China during discussions on the attitude toward the First Fourth Session of the National People’s Political Council.

[2] Refers to the Arita-Craigie Agreement.