Letter to Xu Fanting

(December 4, 1943)

Comrade Fanting:

I have read your esteemed letter and poem with reverence, and have respectfully received the imported flour. Jiang Qing will follow your advice and take it as directed. Although your health has shown some improvement, it is still inadvisable to read too much. Please pay attention to this. Mr. Deng[1] is a person of high standing in the Northwest and has contributed greatly to mediating relations between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party. During his recent trip south, he spoke many good words, and we are grateful to him in our hearts. However, it seems that this meeting was not entirely satisfactory, as we did not discuss concrete measures. In truth, we have no concrete measures whatsoever. For instance, regarding the lifting of the blockade, recognition of the Border Region, and the restoration of the New Fourth[2], and so on, apart from waiting for the Kuomintang to resolve them, we on our side have no measures at all. The situation around the Border Region remains tense, but the international environment is improving daily, and the Japanese aggressors are again showing signs of launching an offensive. The current situation may perhaps not move toward a rupture. There is still a hurdle to cross next spring and summer. Once this hurdle is crossed, there may be hope for a turn for the better. I am as usual; not having caught a major cold for a whole year counts as one accomplishment. I respectfully wish you ease and good health in your daily life!

Mao Zedong

December 4

[1] Refers to Deng Baoshan, then Commander-in-Chief of the Shanxi-Shaanxi-Suiyuan Border Region.
[2] I.e., the New Fourth Army.