Conversation with Nationalist Liaison Staff Officers Chen Hongjin, Guo Weisheng, and Zhou Liwu Stationed in Yan’an[1]

(September 1, 1942)

(1) If your side releases Ye Ting, our side will send Dong Biwu alone to attend the Political Consultative Council; otherwise, we still cannot attend. (2) Our side will absolutely not overthrow the National Government and will absolutely not cross the existing borders. Your side recognizes our side’s right to develop behind enemy lines, recognizes the existing defense areas, and recognizes the Border Region. With regard to the Nationalist and Communist armies behind enemy lines, both sides issue orders not to attack each other. (3) Restore the New Fourth Army, issue the pay in arrears, and cease arrests. (4) He (i.e., He Yingqin) stops opposing the Communists, and I stop opposing He, and contacts may be resumed. However, if He opposes the Communists again, I will certainly oppose He again.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong’s conversation with Nationalist liaison staff officers Chen Hongjin, Guo Weisheng, and Zhou Liwu stationed in Yan’an.