Gentlemen of the Shandong Provincial Provisional Consultative Assembly:

We have received your letter with deep concern. Your assembly has steadfastly held out behind enemy lines, enduring hardship and fighting unyieldingly to uphold justice for the nation and set a shining example for the entire country, earning the admiration of every Chinese citizen. At a time when certain appeasers, defeatists, and collaborators within China’s resistance camp are seeking to compromise with the enemy and stir up civil war, thereby plunging the nation into grave peril, we earnestly urge your assembly and all patriotic soldiers and civilians in the rear areas to stand united, redouble their efforts, and persist in the cause of national resistance, unity, and progress. Oppose surrender, division, and retrogression, and continue to struggle. All patriotic compatriots across the country are ready to lend you their support.  At present, the international situation is gravely unfavorable to the fascist bandits of Germany, Italy, and Japan, as well as to China’s traitorous elements and those shameless surrenderists who are poised to betray the nation. The iron fist of the Soviet Red Army is about to snap the spine of the Hitlerian beast. Meanwhile, the patriotic armed forces and people of Britain and the United States are likewise striving to deliver the final blow against fascism. The great goal of the Chinese people—to overthrow Japanese imperialism and achieve freedom and liberation—is drawing ever nearer.