Telegram to All Central Bureaus and Sub-Bureaus of the Central Committee[1]

(April 30, 1943)

When the Soviet Union proposed defeating Germany in 1942, it was based on the agreement of Britain and the United States to establish a second front in 1942. At that time, it was not only possible but also necessary to put forward such a slogan as a goal for mobilizing efforts. However, when Britain and the United States did not open a second front and there was no new agreement, there was no continued propagation of this slogan. When the Soviet Union put forward the above-mentioned slogan based on the agreement with Britain and the United States, our Party also put forward the slogan of defeating Japan in 1943, which was also not only possible but also necessary. However, when Britain and the United States failed to fulfill their promises and thus the defeat of Germany last year was not realized, our Party should not continue to propagate this slogan, but should explain to the masses the reasons why Japan cannot yet be defeated this year, and encourage the masses to persist in striving hard to win victory. All Central Bureaus and sub-bureaus must make plans for long-term persistence, prepare for another two to three years of extremely arduous struggle, and must also be prepared for possible unexpected changes.