Answer to Questions Raised by Gentlemen from Northwestern Shanxi[1]

(July 9, 1942)

Question: When will the War of Resistance be won?

Answer: ... This war against aggression is the greatest war in world history. On the European battlefield, thanks to the close unity of the Soviet Union, Britain, the United States and other countries, Germany may be defeated this year. On the Pacific battlefield, with the unity of China, Britain and the United States, Japan can be expected to be crushed next year.

Question: After victory in the War of Resistance, how will the question of unity at home be resolved?

Answer: ... The Chinese Communist Party is not only persisting in unity against Japan during the War of Resistance, but will also persist in unity for national construction after victory. ... Take the example of the Shensi-Kansu-Ningsia Border Region. The people's elected assembly and the democratic government based on the three-thirds system are the best political forms for uniting all classes to resist Japan together. Naturally, after the war, this spirit must be carried through even more thoroughly to unite the people of all classes and jointly build a new China that is a democratic republic.

The Communist Party has the duty to cooperate with people outside the Party and absolutely no right to exclude others.

Post-war China will certainly be a democratic China. All circles—peasants, workers, merchants, students and soldiers—must continue to unite in order to achieve this goal.

[1] The visiting group of gentlemen from northwestern Shanxi was initiated by Mr. Niu Youlan, a prominent gentleman of Xingxian County. In 1942, Mr. Niu Youlan and 15 others formed a visiting group and went to Yenan. On July 9, Mao Tse-tung met with the group. This is part of his conversation with its members.