Reply to Zhou Enlai and Others[1]

(May 8, 1943)

The Kuomintang liaison staff officers Xu Foguan and Guo Zhongrong have arrived in Yan’an.[2] Following Comrade Stalin’s “May Day” statement, the international situation will improve. A second front may be opened this year, and Germany may be defeated by this winter or next spring. The Kuomintang may treat us somewhat better. For the time being, their side may not launch a propaganda offensive. Therefore, we should not issue a public statement first, but only make written and telegraphic statements and oral explanations. The *Liberation Daily* and newspapers in all base areas should still refrain from provoking the Kuomintang in the slightest.

[1] This is the main content of Mao Zedong’s telegram replying to Zhou Enlai and informing Lin Biao on the issue of not provoking the Kuomintang at present.

[2] The Kuomintang liaison staff officers Chen Hongmo and Guo Yasheng withdrew from Yan’an and returned to Chongqing in February 1943. Xu Foguan and Guo Zhongrong took over their work.